Strong Desire

The Strong Cowboys of Wilde, Nevada 2

Strong Desire Charly Wynn has taken the detour to Wilde, Nevada, and the six hot cowboys she's found there have turned her life upside down. With little money and her car in the shop, she agrees to Heath Strong's offer to transport her to Malibu. Heath Strong is thrilled to spend time alone with the gorgeous city girl. During the trip, an unquenchable hunger for her ignites inside him. He is determined to possess her for himself, Nate, and Tobias, despite the intentions of his other brothers—Drake, Dax, and Seth. Though Charly's plan has always been to land a job that will provide what she needs to help her mother, Heath's dominance is reaching her heart and shaking her resolve. While Charly discovers the pleasures provided by him and his brothers, a murderer plots his revenge. Will she choose the path that leads to love or the one that leads…to death?

NOTE! You are purchasing Siren's newest serialized imprint, the LoveXtreme Forever Series. This is Book 2 of 7 in the The Strong Cowboys of Wilde, Nevada collection. These books are not stand alone. Each is a continuation of the previous book and must be read in the numbered order. Each book may end on a cliffhanger but usually with a happy-for-now for the heroine and one or more men. The final book contains a happily forever after for the heroine and all her men. Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings. Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Western/Cowboys Length: 23,645 words

STRONG DESIRE The Strong Cowboys of Wilde, Nevada 2

Chloe Lang

LOVEXTREME FOREVER

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: LoveXtreme Forever

STRONG DESIRE Copyright © 2012 by Chloe Lang E-book ISBN: 1-61926-639-3 First E-book Publication: March 2012 Cover design by Les Byerley All art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Strong Desire by Chloe Lang from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Chloe Lang’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Lang’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION While there are so many wonderful supporters and friends who help and encourage me with my books, I want to call out one in particular for this book—Chloe Vale. She’s encouraged and helped me so much with many books and in particular this one. Thank you, Chloe. We share a name and a love of books. I treasure your friendship.

STRONG DESIRE The Strong Cowboys of Wilde, Nevada 2 CHLOE LANG Copyright © 2012

Chapter One Holding a calla lily, Charly walked up the aisle with Michael, Jessie’s ex-fiancé. The room was filled to the max, with every seat taken and people standing in all the free spaces of the little chapel. The middle aisle, littered with rose petals, remained empty. The wedding party stood at the front, waiting for the bride to appear. But the ones who captured her attention immediately were the Strong brothers. Drake smiled broadly at her, making her lips curl up. Tobias and Nate tilted their heads to her in a lusty way. Seth also smiled, as did Dax. Then she saw Heath. He sent her a wicked wink, and her heartbeat sped up. Something about that man unhinged her every time she was near him. Michael and Heath had similar roles for the service. Odd. With two best men, one for the bride and one for the grooms, this wasn’t like any marriage ceremony Charly had ever attended. A string trio played soft wedding music. She loved the scent of spring flowers that filled the air. Charly and Michael took their places with the other attendants, six of which were all the Strong brothers, cousins to the Wilde boys. Though the six cowboys seemed focused on the service, Charly

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caught all of them glancing her way. Wilde, Nevada, was one crazy town. The music changed to the familiar bridal entrance tune of “Here Comes the Bride.” The crowd all stood, and Jessie appeared in the back with Jessie’s dad, who was Charly’s uncle, and Lee, Jessie’s recently discovered biological dad. The men looked on her with incredible pride. The three began marching down the aisle slowly, but all eyes were on the most beautiful bride Charly had ever seen. Jessie’s bridal dress was beaded. Her hair was up. She wore a platinum circlet around her neck that had a single diamond hanging from it. Behind the sheer veil, the new bride was totally aglow and smiling. “Are those actual tears from you, ‘Tough As Nails’ Charly Wynn?” Michael whispered by her side. “Behave,” she scolded quietly and then sent him a grin as she wiped her eyes. The ceremony was pretty basic to Charly, sans the five-groomsand-one-bride oddity. At the rehearsal she’d learned how that difference was going to be handled. Each groom, one by one, was going to stand by Jessie and give his vow of forever to her. The first was Jackson. “I, Jackson Wilde, take you, Jessica Greene, to be my wedded wife. With deepest joy, I receive you into my life. I promise you my deepest love, my fullest devotion.” His voice shook just a bit, and he continued. “With my heart, I vow to give you my utmost care and affection from now until my last breath.” Next came Phoenix. “I, Phoenix Wilde, affirm my love to you, Jessica Greene, as today, we begin sharing our lives together. You are the most beautiful, smart, and generous person I have ever known. You have captured all of me.” He looked into Jessie’s eyes in a way that let Charly and all present know he meant every word. “I vow to always respect your opinion, to protect you from harm, and to love you for the rest of my life.”

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As Phoenix moved back to his former place, Dallas moved next to Jessie, taking her hands. “I, Dallas Wilde, am yours, Jessica Greene. I vow to work by your side with kindness and trust so that we may create a wonderful life together. I take you as my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.” Denver took his place and also held her hands. “Jessie, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you. I promise to be the best husband I can be. I vow to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of hardship and difficulty. I promise to love you in the good times and in the bad. I promise to cherish you and to always hold you close. These things I give to you today and all the days of our life.” The last, Austin, took Jessie’s hands and placed her little fingers on the center of his broad chest where his heart resided beneath. He didn’t say anything for what seemed to be an eternity. The chapel fell absolutely silent. Finally, he spoke. “I swear on my very life and soul to honor and protect you, Jessica Greene, to ensure the best for you, to put you above all things and all persons.” He paused. Whether due to the gravity of what he was about to say, Charly didn’t know. Whatever the cause, all ears were tuned into what Austin would say next. Continuing, his voice remained strong and deep. “Jessica Greene, you are my true love, my life, my everything. I will do all that is within my power to meet your every need and desire. All this I vow in front of all these witnesses and will keep from now until the day I die.” Without the minister’s permission, Austin kissed Jessie. Charly saw tears roll from her cousin’s eyes, and then she felt two tracks of tears drip down her own cheeks. Looking at the five grooms standing with their bride, Charly knew that the Wilde brothers were truly in love with her cousin. And Jessie had made it clear that she loved them, too.

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Jessie faced her five grooms. “Before coming to Wilde I was lost and empty. You changed everything for me. You showed me a new way full of wonder, happiness, and joy. I promise to love and care for you, and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love. I will always be honest with you, kind, patient, and forgiving. But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you and the best wife I can possibly be. I love each of you so very much.” Pete guided them through the rest of the vows. “Repeat after me, grooms. ‘I, state your name, take you, Jessica Greene, to be my wife.’” As Jessie’s guys repeated the wedding vows in unison, it clicked for Charly that her cousin was going to be okay as a bride to five men. Crazy or not, the six of them were going to make it. Just like she’d done since they were kids playing together, Jessie still amazed and surprised her. Such strength and courage was something Charly always strived to have. When I land that job in Malibu, it will be my first step to becoming the woman I want to be, someone as incredible as Jessie, I hope. Pete continued. “Just as these rings that are being given are circles without end, so should your love for each other be eternal. Do you so promise?” In unison, the grooms and bride said, “I do.” “Just as they are made of incorruptible substance, your commitment to each other should never fail. Do you so promise?” Again, “I do.” “Gentlemen, you may now give your ring to the bride and say, ‘With this ring, I thee wed.’” The five Wilde brothers surrounded her. Jackson held her hand. “This ring is from all of us, sweetheart. I suggested we draw straws to see who got to put it on your finger—” There were giggles from the crowd. “Go on, Jackson.” Pete placed his hand on the groom’s shoulder. “We took a vote. My brothers agreed I would have this honor

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since I was the first to meet you when you arrived in town.” “I’m glad, Jackson.” Jessie’s hand was trembling slightly. The five men completely encircled her, so Charly could only catch little glimpses of her cousin. In a deep octave, they said together, “With this ring, I thee wed.” When they separated, Charly saw a massive diamond on Jessie’s finger. It sparkled like fire. Not surprising, since the Wildes were so rich. Pete looked at Jessie. “You have a ring for each of your grooms. You may now give the rings to them and say to each, ‘With this ring, I thee wed.’” As maid of honor, Charly’s job was on. The ring bearer had rings on a pillow for the impact, but they weren’t the real ones. Pete had insisted that the actual rings needed to be held by the best man of the grooms, Heath Strong, and the maid of honor of the bride—Charly. After the minister told the story of a ten thousand-dollar ring being lost by a five-year-old ring bearer at a previous wedding, his case was made. Charly took a deep breath and steadied herself. The real rings for the grooms were in five little cotton bags attached to the flowers she held. Each bag had one of the groom’s names on it. She opened the bag with Jackson’s name on it and handed the ring to her cousin. Jessie stepped next to the youngest Wilde brother. “Jackson, you are my joy. No one can make me laugh like you.” With her slender fingers, she placed the ring on her groom’s ring finger. Her voice quivered. “With this ring, I thee wed.” Charly watched her cousin move to the next Wilde brother. “Phoenix, you are my protector. I always feel safe in your arms.” A single tear rolled down Jessie’s face. “With this ring, I thee wed.” Jessie turned back to Charly for Dallas’s ring. Then she went up to him. “Dallas, you are my truth. With you, there is no doubt or darkness inside me. With this ring, I thee wed.”

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When her cousin turned back for Denver’s ring, Charly saw that her cheeks were glistening with tears. “Denver, you are my inspiration. You teach me to reach for more and make me believe I deserve it. With this ring, I thee wed.” When Jessie stood next to Austin with his ring, she shook from head to toe. “Austin, you are my solid rock. Beside you, I feel beautiful, wanted, and loved.” Jessie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “With this ring, I thee wed.” Then Jessie stepped back and addressed all the guys at once. “My loves, you are my life. I give all of myself to you, now and forever.” Charly noticed all the women in the chapel were wiping their eyes. Her own were wet with tears of joy for her cousin. When Jessie moved back to stand in front of the minister, he nodded. Then Pete announced in a big, booming tone, “I now pronounce these men and this woman married. You may kiss your bride, gentlemen.” From youngest to eldest, the Wilde brothers gave their new wife a kiss. Though Charly had come to Wilde to try to stop her cousin from marrying these men, crazy or not, she was completely on board. How could she not be? Jessie was one very lucky woman. Charly felt a hand touch her shoulder. Expecting Drake, she turned to look behind her. Her eyes widened when she saw the hand belonged not to Drake, but to Heath Strong. **** “Don’t you Strong brothers ever get tired of playing your crazy game?” Craig, the bartender, asked. “No,” Heath Strong answered flatly and then downed the rest of his whiskey neat. The truth was that he did hate the game, but it was a necessary evil he must endure. On the other side of the tent was the person who, since her arrival,

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had shaken Wilde, Nevada, like exploding dynamite. The sexy little bundle didn’t notice him over the music, laughter, and clicking glasses under the canvas pavilion just outside the Wilde Mansion, the home of his aunt and uncles. When Heath had touched Charly Wynn’s shoulder at the wedding, she’d seemed shocked, but hadn’t said a word. Unfortunately, Drake had rushed her out of the chapel the moment the photographer released the attendants before Heath had found a chance to talk to her. “This is some party, don’t you think?” Craig asked. “Sure is.” He watched his five cousins around their beautiful bride. They’d never looked happier. Even Austin was smiling. Heath’s mother and aunt, Maude Strong and Mary Wilde, had put the event together. A little corner of his mind noted that this wedding reception was a complete blast of off-the-hook fun, but the majority of his thoughts were dominated by how to win his prize of a naked Charly underneath him. Time to go to battle and continue the game that he and his brothers had been playing since Gabby had sauntered into their lives years before—“steal the girl.” Heath’s team consisted of his brothers Nate and Tobias and himself. His other three brothers made up the opposing team’s members—Drake, Dax, and Seth. Even from this distance he could clearly see Charly’s blue eyes fringed by long, dark lashes. She exuded a cool confidence. Damn, she was beautiful! Heath placed the empty glass on the bar and looked at the woman he’d been studying since seeing her for the first time at the rehearsal in the chapel last night. “Another?” Craig asked. He was determined to follow through with the test, wondering if Charly would come to his bed soon. Of course things might turn the other way for once, and the woman might refuse him, but something about the prize pushed Heath’s desires way past the reasons he played

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the game. Dangerous territory. But he’d never shied away from danger, and he wasn’t about to start now. “Yes.” “I’ve seen that look before. I can’t believe it. You Strong cowboys are too much. Can’t you leave some women unscathed for the rest of us single guys?” The folks in Wilde really didn’t know how sharp the wedge was that existed between him and his younger three brothers, believing it was only sibling rivalry run amuck. The rift had separated Tobias and Nate from the twins and Seth, too. The six of them kept up appearances in town, eating at Norma’s Diner together and playing poker at Sneaky Pete’s together. But when it came to women, the gloves came off. Heath shrugged. “Get in the game, Craig. There’s no one stopping you but you.” “I can think of some fellows who are making it tough for me, namely you and your brothers. So, the game is on tonight, too?” the bartender asked. “Yep.” Guilt crawled out of the dark corner of his mind. But he couldn’t allow himself the luxury of self-recrimination. He had a job to do, and by God, he would do it. “Who’s your prey tonight? Shelby? Tina? Marcy? Luna? Sheri? Dawn?” “None of them.” Drake, his youngest brother, walked through the tent and across the dance floor. He headed straight for Charly, having gotten first dibs with the gorgeous woman. Heath’s younger brother was typically a player at heart, but something about his demeanor with Charly at the wedding and here at the reception troubled him. Before Drake got in too deep, Heath needed to act tonight. Drake placed one of his arms around Charly’s shoulders in the universal sign of “this is mine.” That didn’t bother Heath one bit.

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He’d bested his little brother many times with women before. Confident or not, he was mesmerized by Charly. Watching her across the dance floor held him in a spell. Her long, dark hair grazed her shoulders like a silky waterfall. Her curves tempted him beyond measure. She was the most appetizing morsel in all of Northern Nevada. He should know. He’d bedded most of the other morsels in the county and many other parts of the state. “Her?” Craig snorted, pouring whiskey into his empty glass. “Fresh meat. Here we go again.” “So I’ve been told.” In a single gulp, Heath downed the whiskey. It tasted smoky and provided a familiar burn going down his throat. “One more?” the barkeep asked. He shook his head and pushed the empty glass away. Another glass would’ve addled his thoughts. No. With his target clearly identified, he wanted to be sharp. “She’s not from here and clearly doesn’t know the whole story with you guys.” “I’m sure about that. Just makes it more interesting.” Heath wondered what Charly’s angle really was. “Still, she’s here to see her cousin marry five men. She knows enough.” “Heath, you can always find justification when you need it.” “Wrong, Craig. I don’t need justification. I see what I want and I go for it.” Freshly shackled, Phoenix and Dallas walked up next to him. “What do you want, cuz?” Phoenix asked. “Not a what, Phoenix, a who.” Craig shook his head in a clear sign of disgust. “I bet that someday one of your six cousins’ conquests will turn the tables on them.” “That’ll be the day.” Heath grinned. “Pour us three whiskeys, bud. One for me, and one for each of these poor suckers who have been broken by one incredible bride.” “Suckers? You sure you want to say that to me, cousin?” Dallas asked, pounding his fists on the bar top in a mock show of anger.

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Then he laughed. “Don’t knock it, Heath, until you’ve tried it.” “I’ll marry when I turn forty-five and not before. Got some wild oats to sow.” Craig’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s another twelve years.” “Thirteen, but who’s counting?” Heath patted Dallas on the back. “Craig, pour one for yourself.” “Will do. I’d love to toast these lucky bastards.” Craig pushed the glasses in front of each of them. “To the Wilde brothers and their amazing Jessie.” “Hear, hear.” Heath took the whiskey straight up from the barkeep, downed it, and then turned his attention back to Charly. The other three drank their liquor and slammed the empty glasses back on the counter. “I see.” Phoenix grinned, clearly realizing who he was looking at. “Be careful, Heath. I know Charly’s cousin. The women in that family don’t play fair.” He turned to Phoenix. “Neither do I.” “It’s just the game, guys,” Craig grumbled. “You know your cousins.” “Looks like the younger Strong cowboys have a lead on that front.” Dallas slapped Heath on the back. Heath turned back to Charly just in time to see Drake kiss her. “Damn.” “You need to really think about what you’re doing.” Dallas never beat around the bush. He always spoke directly and truthfully. Heath appreciated that in him. “You may think this is a game now, cuz, but if she’s anything like Jessie, she’ll be under your skin in no time.” “Not a chance.” But he wondered if Dallas might be right. He was already more intrigued with Charly than he should be. Sure, she was a new challenge within reach, but his longing for her seemed to be expanding just being in the vicinity of her. What would happen to him when she was under his control, giving him the sweet treats of her delicious body? Likely his lust would dampen, like it always did after

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a conquest. “Whatever you do with Charly, don’t piss Jessie off.” Phoenix glared at him. “Play nice with her cousin or you’ll have to deal with me, understand?” “Really? You think you can take me, Phoenix?” “That would be so easy.” “Better be careful with him, Heath. My money would be on Phoenix, not you.” Dallas chimed in. “Besides, it wouldn’t just be him coming for you, cuz. Piss off our wife and you’ll get a whole bag of fury you don’t want to open up. Seriously, be careful with Jessie’s cousin. Okay?” “Already whipped and you haven’t even had your honeymoon.” “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it,” Phoenix offered. “I’m happy for you guys, but it isn’t for me. Not now.” “Maybe not ever,” Craig interjected. “You, Nate, and Tobias are getting pretty long in the tooth.” Dallas shook his head. “You better not wait too long to settle down.” Phoenix nodded. “Drake, Dax, and Seth have plenty of time to land a woman. But it looks like Drake already has it bad for Charly Wynn. And if I know him, his twin isn’t far behind, and that means Seth will get on board shortly.” “I’m with Heath on this one, guys.” Craig wiped the bar top. “Just because you like the ball and chain doesn’t mean it’s for all of us.” “You think any woman would want your flabby ass?” Dallas teased the man. The bartender, who sported some impressive biceps, smiled. “You’d be surprised how many women I can attract.” Dallas, the most open of the five Wilde brothers, smiled broadly. “Marriage isn’t for everyone, I know. But I’m glad that me and my brothers have found the woman of our dreams.” Heath couldn’t believe how in love and happy all the Wildes seemed. Sure, Jackson had always been pretty upbeat, but the other four had always been moody and dark, especially Austin. Their bride

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had changed everything for Heath’s five cousins. “How about it, Heath?” Phoenix cocked one eyebrow. “Why don’t the three eldest Strongs grow a couple each and see if what we have with Jessie runs in her family?” “Too soon. There are just too many women on the banquet that I want to sample.” “You’ll never change, Heath Strong.” His mother sidled up to him. “Don’t start, mom. Not now.” “Wouldn’t think of it. This is a party. After the wedding, though, you boys better get ready for a family meeting with me and the dads.” “You’re too much, Aunt Maude.” Phoenix hugged her. Dallas scooped her up in his arms. “You can say that again, bro.” “I am, aren’t I, Heath?” “Yes, mom. Way too much.” He laughed. His mother had been pressuring him and Tobias since they’d both turned thirty. One year later when Nate turned thirty, the dads had joined in on the nudging. When he passed thirty-one, their parents had turned up the heat to way past boiling for the three of them to find a wife. He couldn’t imagine what would happen if Nate hit another birthday and the three of them weren’t bringing around a girl for their parents to meet. The younger three brothers were getting a pass from his mother, for now. Though also thirty-one, Seth was a little younger than Nate. The twins had only turned twenty-seven a few months ago. Heath knew it wouldn’t be long before his mother began putting his three younger brothers in her “I want grandchildren before I die” claws. “Oh, Heath. What am I going to do with you?” She grinned, put her hands around his neck, and pulled him down for a kiss on the cheek. He loved his mom so much. After marrying their dads, Maude had adopted him, Tobias, Nate, and Seth. The twins were her biological sons. Though there was no actual genetic connection, his mom had

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always loved and treated him and his other brothers as if they shared DNA. “Boys, there are more ribs that need to be eaten. Also, some of my homemade potato salad is still left.” “Lead the way, Aunt Maude.” Phoenix grinned. Dallas squeezed her again. “I can never resist another helping of your potato salad.” “You coming, son?” she asked. “No, thank you.” Heath smiled. “I couldn’t eat another bite.” She winked at him. “I love you, son.” “Love ya, mom.” Without another word, she and his two cousins headed to the buffet line. Again, he turned his attention back to the woman new to town. Charly maneuvered her way through the crowd with Drake following protectively behind. Like a predator, Heath would wait for the best opportunity to pounce. He studied the room for any advantage. Jessie stood alone by the cake table, and for the first time since the party had started, she didn’t have a crowd of people around her. About twenty feet away by the band, Drake offered a toast to the other three grooms, Jackson, Denver, and Austin. With his younger brothers slightly distracted, Heath’s opportunity came. Luckily for him, Drake didn’t notice when Charly drifted away toward Jessie. Heath’s plan locked into place. He would meet Charly at the cake table. Given Jessie’s status at this party, she’d be whisked off by some well-wisher in a minute or less. Then he would have Charly all to himself. “Game on.” Heath smiled and walked to the cake table.

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Chapter Two Charly headed straight to Jessie. There’d been no chance to say two words to her cousin since the ceremony, and she had many more than two she wanted to say. She’d been lukewarm on the wedding, but that had changed. Now that Jessie was not surrounded by a group of people or her grooms, this was the chance she needed. Charly wanted Jessie to know that she wished her well and believed in her future happiness with her new family. Even though Charly, being from the South Bronx, had seen all kinds of crazy things in her life, what she saw around the wedding reception flattened her. Maybe the variety of kissing triples and quadruples shouldn’t have shocked her since she’d already been informed about the plural-marriage norm for the little town, but it still did. In fact, she actually stopped in her tracks at the spectacle around her. To her right, she spotted three smoking-hot cowboys surrounding one woman who was receiving touches and kisses from each of them with no sign of jealousy evident from any of the men. To her left, she saw more of the same. Most groups under the tent consisted of two or three sexy men pampering a single woman. She wondered what the women thought about the whole arrangement. Try as she might to imagine what it would be like to be one of those women, she couldn’t. No wonder I was a virgin for so long. No imagination. She turned back and saw Drake raising a glass to three of the new grooms. When he’d professed his love for her the other night, she’d been stunned and thrilled. She felt love for him, too. But how could it

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ever work out between them? Fuck-fuck-fuckity-fuck. All she needed to think about was Malibu, the interview, the new job, and the salary she would receive. Whatever else happened after, she would deal with later. “Charly, get over here.” Jessie’s voice pulled her from her musings. Approaching her cousin by the cake table, Charly noticed how radiant Jessie looked. She’d never seen her more beautiful. “This is quite a town you have here, Jess. They don’t leave much to the imagination, do they?” “I know. Actually, tonight is pretty tame. I think it’s out of respect for the parents and the older crowd. You should’ve seen my face the first time I walked into the Horseshoe and there were people nearly having sex on the tables.” Charly felt her cheeks heat up. “Sex on the tables?” “Is that something you’d like to see, Ms. Wynn?” a deep, masculine voice behind her asked. Charly whirled around and saw one of Drake’s brothers, Heath. The tall, chiseled man wore a black cowboy hat and faded jeans. She’d seen him without the hat in the chapel at the rehearsal and wedding, where he’d actually touched her on the shoulder, sending a hot shiver down her spine. Heath’s hair was short and blond. His chin was dimpled, and he sported a five-o’clock shadow. But it wasn’t any of those things about him that unnerved her. It was his sea green eyes, with a hint of blue around the irises. His lashes were the thickest she’d ever seen on any man. Charly resisted the urge to blink. “Why? Do you moonlight as a male dancer at the Horseshoe, Mr. Strong?” “For you? Absolutely.” Charly felt her face begin to burn, but she vowed not to show that he was getting to her. “Too bad. I’m fresh out of dollar bills, cowboy.”

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“Call me Heath.” She folded her arms over her chest. “Best to move along for an easier mark. And you can continue to call me Ms. Wynn.” His lips curled up into the sexiest smile she’d ever seen. “Not a chance, Charly. I see what I want right in front of me.” “Heath, leave the poor girl alone.” Jessie pulled on Charly’s arm and gave the cowboy a big smile. “She’s only been in town for a short time and you wolves are already circling.” “What’s up, sweetheart?” Austin walked up. His tone held a hint of threat. “My cousin bothering you?” Heath turned to the eldest of the grooms and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Everything’s fine, buddy. Just getting to know the new girl in town. Can’t blame me, can you? I think feistiness runs in the family.” Austin pulled Jessie close to him. “If it does, Heath, you better be careful or you’ll be a goner.” Jessie hit his chest playfully. “What do you mean by that? You know, Austin Wilde, it isn’t too late to get an annulment.” Jessie’s groom answered her with a full-on kiss that went on and on with no regard to decorum. Charly couldn’t look away, though she knew that would be the proper thing to do. The couple looked amazing together. When their kiss ended, Charly realized that Heath had put his arm around her shoulders while she’d watched the display. She should’ve pulled away, but didn’t. What harm could happen in such a public setting? A bit tired from all the activities, she actually appreciated the stability his frame offered. Austin cupped her cousin’s chin. “I’ll never back out. I love you, Jessie Greene Wilde. You’re mine forever. Understand?” “Yes, Sir. I love you, too, Austin.” “Let’s go find you a place to sit down, pet. You’ve been on your feet for too long.” Jessie nodded then turned back to her. “Charly, will you come

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with me and this big lug?” “Go. I’m fine.” She thought the two needed a moment together. “I can take care of myself.” The couple walked away, leaving her alone with Heath. His arm remained around her shoulders. Folding her arms back over her breasts, she asked, “Do you mind removing your hold on me?” “Of course I mind, but for now, I’ll play gentleman.” As promised, Heath’s arm was removed from her shoulders. “So, how long you in town for, Charly?” “I’m on the road tomorrow.” Something about him was making her nerves jump like popcorn. This cowboy was self-assured, arrogant, and so very masculine—a recipe for disaster for her. He motioned to a couple of seats near the bar area that had been set up under the tent. Her feet were killing her, so she nodded her agreement, unfolding her arms off her chest. “Come with me, gorgeous.” He turned and headed straight for the chairs by the bar. She blushed, but did follow him, taking a wicked peek at his perfect ass. “Charly, I heard that your car is in the shop in Elko.” Just as she imagined, news traveled fast in small-town Wilde. “Yes, it is. The mechanic better get it fixed quickly, or else.” “Tough little thing, aren’t you? Here we are.” The chairs were tucked away behind some shelves that held more ice chests and glasses for the bar. Good thing. She didn’t want to be on display for the whole town of Wilde to study. “Thanks.” She plopped down on the folding chair. “Mind if I take off my heels? I don’t wear them often, and my feet could use a break.” “Be my guest, gorgeous.” “You sure have the lines, Heath. I bet you call all the girls in town that.”

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He rubbed his chin, and his eyebrows shot up. “Actually, I don’t. Weird. It would be a good line.” She had to smile at his transparency. “Well, now you can start using it, of course, on someone who you actually have a chance with. That wouldn’t be me.” He cupped her chin. “Why not you?” She gulped. Ever since meeting this Strong brother, she’d had the strangest thoughts shooting through her head. One moment she absolutely wanted to be free of him, and the next she found herself staring at him as if mesmerized by him. It was ridiculous, but Heath had something about him she couldn’t quite put her finger on… “Heath, I’m kind of seeing your brother Drake.” He removed his hand. “Really?” he asked in a way that told her he already knew more than he was letting on. “Well, not ‘seeing’ actually. We…Well, we’ve spent a little time together.” “I see.” He grabbed her hands and brought them up to his face. “No ring?” “Of course not. I’ve only been here a few days.” “So, you two are exclusive?” Heath was clearly baiting her, but she didn’t know how to be free of his word trap. “You know we’re not.” “Then you’re available. Besides, you do know that my family practices plural marriages, too, just like your cousin’s new setup?” “I’ve been told that you Strong brothers are divided into two sets of three. True?” “Sure, but I’d recommend the team I’m on for you. We’ve got the maturity that I know you would respond to quite well long term.” Charly smiled. He’d just handed her a quiver of words to shoot at him. Thank you, Heath Strong. “Long term? Do you mean marriage? Is that what you’re proposing?” He squeezed her hand and gave her a sexy grin. “Charly Wynn, you should carry around a sign that says ‘handle with care.’”

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“I’ll consider having one made. We barely know each other, and you think you’ve got me figured out, cowboy?” “I thought I did.” His eyes narrowed. “You’re not like the women around here. I’m looking forward to learning more about the secrets you keep inside that pretty little head of yours.” Secrets… Charly pulled her hands free of his grasp and then slipped on her heels. “I’m headed to the casino.” “Ah, the post party.” Charly had learned about the party from Michael, who seemed to be more in the know than any outsider of the town should be. Well, that’s Michael for you. The younger wedding attendees, including Jessie and the grooms, were all planning to have some drinks at Sneaky Pete’s after the reception wound down. “Thank you for the talk, Heath. I’m ready to head back to my room to change into something more comfortable.” “I’ll be happy to escort you back to the Cactus.” “No, you won’t, Heath.” Drake’s angry tone shook her to the core. “That’s my job.”

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Chapter Three Charly opened the door to her room at the Hotel Cactus. Drake stood beside her. He hadn’t said two words as he walked her to the hotel. He was pissed, but she wasn’t sure if his anger was directed at her or Heath. Either way, she didn’t like being treated like she’d done something wrong. “I can take it from here, Mr. Strong.” “Sure you can. I’m not leaving you—” His cell phone buzzed. He looked at the screen. “Damn it.” “What is it?” “Not what, who. Tobias.” He punched the green button. “Hello…shit. How many? Fuck. Dads, too? Fine. I’ll be there in twenty.” “What’s wrong?” “A bunch of heifers are off the ranch and on the highway. I’ve got to go. You stay put here until I get back, understand?” “Who do you think you are, Drake?” She recalled Heath asking her about a ring. “You’re not my husband, not even my fiancé. I will do whatever I want to do.” “Don’t make me tie you up, sweetheart. I will.” She trembled, wondering if he actually would. “Fine. I’ll stay put.” “Good girl.” He leaned in as if to kiss her, but she turned her head. “You think that will stop me?” “Yes.” “Wrong.” He pulled her close with one hand at the back of her shoulders and turned her chin with the other.

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Drake’s lips crashed down on hers like cannonballs—hot and explosive. There was anger in the kiss, but also a ton of passion. She felt her knees go wobbly, and then suddenly his embrace ended. He stepped back into the hallway and glared at her. “Don’t you dare leave your room until I get back, Charly.” She wanted to argue, but the taste of his kiss still on her lips restrained her. “When will you be back? It’s already past ten, and I want to see Jessie at the after-party.” “I don’t care. If I get back in time, we’ll go to the casino. If not, we won’t. Period.” “Go take care of your cows, cowboy. Make it fast.” “You’re something else, Charly Wynn.” Then he turned and left. She shut the door and walked to the window. The view was amazing. The longer she stared at it, the more beautiful it became. The full moon gave a silver hue to the mountains of Northern Nevada. She imagined Drake and his brothers working to get the lost cattle back to safety. The guys would surely all be on horseback, especially Heath. Why am I thinking about Heath? She knew why. He’d gotten under her skin. He’d also made it clear that he was going to pursue her no matter what. She slipped out of her bridesmaid dress and put on jeans, tennis shoes, and her favorite sweater. If Drake did make it back, however unlikely, the air would mandate something a bit warm to keep the chill off her skin. She sat down on the bed. Her bridesmaid dress was stretched out beside her on the mattress. Drake was being ridiculous. She wanted to see Jessie one more time before the bride and grooms headed off on their honeymoon to Tahiti. A knock on the door shook her from her thoughts. That can’t be Drake already? Heath? Fuck-fuck-fuckity-fuck. She looked through the peephole. It wasn’t either cowboy. She opened the door wide.

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“Michael?” “I’ve been sent by the bossy bride to find you and bring you to her.” Jessie’s ex smirked. If there were gay men in Wilde, they were in a whole bunch of trouble with this handsome devil slinking around their town. “You coming?” Drake had no hold on her. Besides, what trouble could she get into with a crowd around her? “Of course, I’m coming. This is my cousin’s wedding night.” Then her cell rang. Glancing at the screen, she recognized the number for the mechanic in Elko. “I need to take this. Go. Tell Jessie I’ll be there in less than five minutes.” “You better or I’ll be back with a posse.” “Hello, Harry. Can you hold on a second? Thank you.” She kissed Michael on the cheek. “I promise I’ll be there.” He smiled and left. She closed the door. “I’m back. I hope you have good news.” “I don’t.” The mechanic’s voice was soft. “Your car won’t be ready in the morning. I’m sorry.” “What you mean?” Charly Wynn clenched her jaw so tight that her head started to pound. “This is not acceptable, Harry.” “I’m sorry, Ms. Wynn.” Lucky for him that he was an hour’s drive away or she would’ve pounded him in the face. “I’m still waiting on the part from Reno.” “That’s not going to work. The wedding is over. I need my car delivered to me ready to go first thing in the morning. I’ve got to be in Malibu at 9:00 a.m. day after tomorrow.” She didn’t like being so pushy, but her world would fall apart if she didn’t make the interview. “There’s got to be other places you can get the part.” “There are, but it still will take time. Plus, it would be more money, and you told me to keep the cost down. Is that still the case?” Fuck-fuck-fuckity-fuck! Does it always come down to money? “Whether I can afford a price up or not doesn’t matter since you can’t

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get it sooner. What is the earliest you can have my car running? Please, tell me tomorrow. Make it happen, Harry, and I will owe you big-time.” No answer. “You still there?” she asked. “I am.” He sighed. “Let me see what I can do. I need to make a phone call. At this point, it is a long shot though, Ms. Wynn.” “But you will try, right?” “Yes.” There was something strange about Harry’s tone to her. The mechanic seemed pensive and somehow different from the other day when she’d met him. Then, he’d been very helpful and open. Now, he seemed to be holding something back. What, she didn’t know. “What aren’t you telling me?” “I’ve told you everything. I’ve got to go. Check with Drake Strong. He might be able to help you out with your trip. Good luck, Charly.” “Please make this work, Harry.” “Like I said before, I will do my best. Good-bye, Ms. Wynn.” The line went dead. “How am I going to make this work?” she asked aloud. Why did he suggest I ask Drake to take me? Likely just to get me off his back. But there was something in the way Harry had suddenly brought up the idea that didn’t sit quite right with Charly. Asking for favors wasn’t something she was comfortable with, but her options were dwindling. **** Charly looked at her cell to check the time. It was twelve thirty. She hated to be late, but she definitely was now. The phone call to the garage in Elko had delayed her, but it was necessary. Sneaky Pete’s was really close to the hotel. Even though the sleepy streets of Wilde looked harmless, she still walked quickly.

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She had the oddest feeling that someone was watching her from the shadows. Paranoia, no doubt. I’m from the South Bronx. What am I afraid of? When she walked through the doors of Sneaky Pete’s, Wilde’s local casino, most of the gamblers looked her way, making her nervous. So many sexy cowboys in one place would make any woman a wreck. Thankfully, most quickly turned back to their games of chance. The few that continued to stare, though unusual for her, would be disappointed to know she was here for a party, not a hookup. Calling this place a casino was like calling a Chihuahua a Great Dane. The room couldn’t have been more than thirty-five feet deep and about the same wide. A few tables for blackjack and poker were scattered around the room. There was a wall filled with slot machines. To her right was a long bar with a few tables for the thirsty gambler to take refuge. At one of the tables sat the party she was looking for. Charly grinned at Jessie and her five husbands. Around the table were the other bridesmaids, Michael, but no Strong brothers. The bride was about to down a shot of something. When Michael spotted her standing in the middle of the casino, he waved her over. As Charly took the seat next to Michael, she said, “Sorry I’m late, Jessie.” “Sharly,” the bride slurred. Jessie looked at everyone around her and pointed at Charly. “This is my cousin. I love her, and I think…she’s falling for our little town, too.” “That’s enough tequila for now, Mrs. Wilde.” Jackson put his arm around Jessie. “We don’t want our bride sick tomorrow.” “You’re so good to me, Jackson.” Michael touched the back of Charly’s hand. “I was about to come looking for you. That call really held you up. Your mom?” He knew about her mom’s illness. It was sweet of him to ask. “No. Not her. The mechanic in Elko says my car won’t be ready.”

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“I’ll be happy to have my pilot fly you to…Where were you going for that job interview?” Heath came up from behind Charly and took the empty seat on the other side of her. “She’s going to Malibu in the morning.” Suddenly feeling nervous, she asked, “Shouldn’t you be rounding up cows with your brothers and dads?” “Tobias gave me a pass. Since he’s running the ranch for the week, I took him up on it.” “How about Drake?” “He won’t be back until midday tomorrow. He, Seth, and Dax have to chase down some calves in some rough country on one of our parents’ ranches. It’s quite tough to ride. On some of the paths, you have to dismount just to make it through.” “I should call him.” “There’s no cell service up there.” Charly wondered if Heath had somehow set this all in motion. Now I’m really getting paranoid. “Did Drake send me a message?” Heath shrugged. “He might’ve, but I didn’t see him.” “Check with Aunt Maude,” Dallas offered. Heath glared at his cousin, which seemed odd to Charly. The Wilde brother continued. “Mom told me that Aunt Maude drove Seth and Dax up to the pass to meet up with their dads and their other brothers. She probably saw Drake, too.” “I will.” It was too late to call tonight, but tomorrow she would first thing in the morning. “Thanks, Dallas.” Heath put his arm around her, causing her to melt a little inside. “Not much of a drinker, are you?” “Not really,” she admitted. “How about an early breakfast at Norma’s?” Food did seem like a good idea. She’d not eaten much at the reception. “Are they open?” “We may be a small town but we do have a twenty-four-hour diner. What do you say, gorgeous?”

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“Hey, cowboy.” Michael grinned mischievously. “If she’s not interested, I am.” Heath laughed. “So I’ve heard. I’ve got my eyes on one prize, and it ain’t you.” Her body tingled with the prospect of having breakfast with Heath. And with his arm still firmly around her, she was having trouble focusing her thoughts. Was he just trying to best his little brother? Were they in some kind of tug-of-war and she was the proverbial rope? “Thanks, but I’m not hungry,” she lied. “Come on. Do me the favor. Besides, have you tried the biscuits and gravy at Norma’s?” “No, but I have had the pancakes.” Her stomach rumbled as she recalled consuming those delicious discs. “I think they call them King Cakes here.” Heath unwrapped his arm from her shoulder. Then he reached and touched the top of her hand, and a charge shot from his fingers up her arm and through her body. It was a strange, new reaction for her. “If you’re worried about what my little brother will think, don’t. It’s just breakfast.” She bristled. “Why should I worry about what he thinks? He’s not my boyfriend.” “I like the sound of that.” Charly shook her head. Was she walking right into Heath’s trap? “I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m not ready to go on a date with you––dinner or breakfast.” One of his eyebrows shot up, and he cocked his head. “That’s kind of presumptuous of you, Charly.” Jerking her hand back, she wondered if she’d misread his intentions. Clearly, she’d never had much intuition in her life. Facts worked best for her. Always had. Still, she had thought he’d given off signs of being interested before. “Am I?” “Just biscuits and gravy.” With his finger, Heath traced an X over his chest. “Cross my heart.”

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“Well, if it’s just breakfast, then I’m game.” But she wondered. She wasn’t much of an expert in understanding the male psyche. She understood the Strong brothers even less.

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Chapter Four “I love a woman with a healthy appetite.” Heath smiled, but his gut was tight. Things were getting more complicated with the game than he wanted, and the reason sat across from him. “You saying I’m fat?” Charly frowned. “No, honey. You’re just perfect.” She sighed and shook her head. “You say that to all the girls I bet.” He smiled. “Not true. How was your meal?” “Mmm. Amazing.” She looked down at her empty plate. “I guess I was hungrier than I realized.” “I knew you were.” Heath’s own plate was only half eaten, which was very unusual for him, but he just couldn’t stop looking at Charly during their meal. “Thank you for insisting I come.” She sipped her coffee with her lush, full lips. Everything about her made his lust stir and his cock lengthen. But it wasn’t just her curves that called to his need to take and conquer. She had a spark of adventure and a curiosity he’d never seen in any other woman. She’d asked about his family, about the ranch, about his life growing up. Charly had an ease about her that was charming and seductive. The more she probed for details, the more he wanted to open up to her, but that wasn’t possible for him with the ancient sins he carried. No wonder his little brother was smitten with her. What man wouldn’t be? Well, thanks to the help of Tobias and the loose heifers, Heath had

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Drake off the playing field for another few hours. His window of opportunity was cracked open only slightly and would slam shut very soon. “So, you have an interview in Malibu day after tomorrow?” She frowned. “Yes.” “What’s wrong, Charly?” Heath already knew. He’d learned that she didn’t have wheels after talking with Harry, the mechanic in Elko. Harry had shared with him about his deal with Drake to slow the repairs on Charly’s vehicle. The plan was for Drake to take her to Malibu for her interview. The drive and the overnight stay would give Drake more time with her. Heath thought that was pretty smart of his little brother. So smart that he decided he would be the one to take her to California, not Drake. “My car isn’t going to be ready in time. I’m going to ask your brother to take me.” “That’s not going to work out, Charly.” He loved when his strategies worked, and this one was working quite well. Her pretty eyes widened. “Why not?” “He won’t be back for another day or two, kiddo.” “Fuck-fuck-fuckity-fuck. I guess I’ll have to find Michael.” “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ve got an idea. Besides, I’m not sure either of us could find him tonight. Did you see him chatting up those two guys by the bar when we left? I know them, and what I’ve learned about Michael...well, we won’t be seeing him for a day or two.” It was time to move to the next step in his plan. “I’m free for the next few days, and I’ve got transportation. Let me give you a ride to Malibu. It’s a great excuse for me to get away. If I don’t, the dads will find other work for me to do on the ranch.” “I’m not sure I should ask you to take me, Heath.” She set her cup of coffee down and looked directly into his eyes. “No strings?” “None,” he lied. “Just doing a favor for my cousin-in-law’s cousin.” “Deal. I’d like to leave first thing in the morning.”

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Time to get the game on. “How about in an hour?” Charly tilted her head, and her eyebrows shot up. “Why?” “Supposed to be raining in about five hours. Better to get on the road before a downpour. These mountain roads can get dicey in inclement weather. Besides, that way we can take our time and you can have a few more hours to prep for your interview.” The trip to Malibu would be the perfect chance for them to spend time alone. So far, she seemed genuine to him, but he’d been fooled before. A little roadside motel would work wonders to find out more about Charly. Plus, his desires had gone beyond gathering intel. He wanted a round or two on her amazing body. Charly studied him for about a minute and then she nodded. “I better get to the hotel and pack.” “I’ll let you pick the ride.” “What do you mean?” “You’ll see, honey. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes to pick you up.” The back of his neck tingled just a bit, a sure sign that Charly was going to be trouble. **** Charly looked around Heath’s large garage filled with a dozen muscle cars, three tricked-out trucks, five convertibles, and two motorcycles. “These are all yours?” “Yes. Which one would you like us to take to Malibu, Charly?” “I have no idea. They’re all so beautiful.” She was stunned at the incredible machines surrounding them. His large fingers grazed the metal of the vehicle next to them. “I’m glad you like them.” “Did you restore all these yourself, Heath?” His face lit up like the sun. “I did. This blue doll is a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray. I finished her up just last month. She’s got a four-speed transmission with four hundred twenty-five horses

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under that hood. You should’ve seen her when I found her. Luckily, I got her back to the beauty you see now.” Charly saw tenderness and joy in his eyes as he talked about the car. She wanted to see more of that in the rugged cowboy. “How long did it take you to finish?” “About four months.” She pointed to a classic convertible that was shiny black on the outside with red leather inside. The chrome on the front and sides shined like jewels. It was a thing of beauty. “What about this one?” “That was my first restore. It’s a 1958 Chevy Impala. I started it when I was only fourteen. It took me about four years to get the car back together. I wasn’t really great with the paint gun back then, so I repainted it a couple of years ago.” “It looks amazing.” “The interior is original. I only had to stitch a few seams back together.” The pride in his tone was inspiring and making Charly tingly inside. “She’s got a 348 V8 with a tri-power carburetor. With only 27,000, miles she runs like a champ.” “Is that a Rolls-Royce?” She pointed to the car in the left corner. “Good eye, honey. It’s my 1966 Silver Shadow.” Charly noticed that Heath’s gaze no longer fixed on his cars, but instead remained on her. To avoid blinking, she turned to the Rolls to take it in. The metal was a light gray on the top and hood, while the doors and sides were a deeper charcoal color. She walked up to it and peered in. The seats were deep-red leather. “Do you actually take this on the road?” To keep expenses down, Charly had learned more than a thing or two about working on cars. She could change oil, brakes, and more. And she had a love for cars, too. But compared to Heath, she was barely out of her weekend mechanic diapers. “Sometimes. Mom loves to go for a Sunday drive in it about once a month. So, I’m happy to take her. Would you like to take the Rolls to Malibu, honey?”

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Charly shook her head. If she showed up to the interview in that, there would be no chance of her ever getting the job. After getting a little history on each of the cars, she finally settled on the one she wanted to take. “I would love to go in the Chevy, if you don’t mind.” “Why that one?” “It’s clear to me that she’s your favorite. When you were talking about her, your pride took over.” Heath smiled. “You’re something else, Charly Wynn.” Then he pulled her into his body. She felt her heartbeat pounding in her chest. “Taking girls to your garage is a pretty awesome come-on, Heath.” “You’re the first woman I’ve ever brought here.” Before she could let that sentence register in her mind, he kissed her. Her mind spun, and her knees weakened. His large arms held her steady as his full lips parted. His breath entered her mouth, then his tongue. Dizziness and heat whirled in her body like a tornado, and still he kissed her. Her lips were throbbing as his tongue continued to sweep inside her mouth. Unable to keep her eyes open, Charly felt him guide her to the car he’d restored as a teenager. Without breaking their oral embrace, he opened the door and pushed her inside with her back pressing on the bench seat. As the weight of his muscled body crashed onto hers, Charly opened her eyes and found his wide open. She moaned into his mouth and closed her eyes once again. She felt tiny, feminine, and dominated. When his lips left hers, she blinked. “H–Heath, this isn’t—” “Don’t, Charly. You’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever met. Hell, much more than that.” His voice was low and full of heat and lust. “I am?” “Fuck yes. I know you want me, too. Isn’t that right?” Still woozy from the amazing kiss, she could only nod. There was no denying the cowboy what he wanted…which was what she needed, as well. But what about Drake? He’d told her that he loved her, and she was feeling so much for

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him, too. Charly couldn’t catch her breath. The burn of want caused her nipples to throb and her pussy to ache. Her voice shook, “I–I’m not sure we should, Heath.” But wasn’t this the way things worked in Wilde? People didn’t expect women to be exclusive to one man. His calloused fingertips touched her cheek, and she trembled. “Oh, yes we should and will, sweetheart.” Something about the determination in his voice and the possessiveness of his touch pushed her into a willing state of surrender. She knew this was foolish and likely a mistake, but she couldn’t find any willpower to stop. The slippery slide of Heath Strong was too much to resist. Slowly, Heath began rubbing her nipples with his thumbs until they were taut. She sucked in a breath, and felt her eyes open wide. So many sensations, hot and tingling, whipped through her. When his mouth went to her neck, she felt her clit begin to throb. She was completely turned on and lost to this cowboy. “You taste like honeydew, Charly. I bet your pussy tastes delicious, too.” Charly’s body burned as he continued licking her neck and massaging her breasts. Little short gasps shot from her lips as she felt her juices slicken her folds. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders just to hold on. The man was pure muscle. His time in the saddle and in his garage was likely what kept him in shape. She couldn’t imagine him being a gym rat. She moved her hands to his jawline. A little stubble tickled her fingertips. His lower half pressed into hers, and she could feel his thick erection through both of their jeans. “If I say ‘stop,’ Heath, will you?” she asked, though afraid of what he would answer. He leaned up and with unblinking eyes studied her for a moment.

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“Yes.” She sighed, finding it harder and harder to focus her muddled mind. He threaded his fingers in her hair. “Do you want me to stop, Charly?” Then he kissed her before she could answer. Her words and thoughts mingled together in her mind as Heath’s lips turned her on like no other kiss had ever done before. Lust rolled through her like a tidal wave, and more dampness oozed from her pussy. Her heart pounded hard and fast in her chest as his hands tugged on her hair. When he stopped kissing her, she couldn’t speak. Dizzy and filled with desire, Charly wrapped her fingers around his neck. “That’s my girl.” With an expertise of a man who knew his way around a bedroom, or a Chevy, Heath had her out of her clothes in a flash. Then he leaned up and inspected her. Panic shot through her. What if he didn’t like what he saw? She quickly moved to cover her breasts with her arms, but he stopped her by grabbing her wrists. “No,” he commanded, tugging her arms apart. Instantly, she responded and stopped trying to cover herself. His unfaltering gaze had her trembling. “You are so unbelievably beautiful.” Tears rolled down her cheeks, and her heart beat madly. He meant it—every word. When he cupped both breasts with his large hands, the tingle in Charly’s belly grew and her nipples throbbed. He circled the taut bits of flesh, and she felt her breath catch in her throat. When he leaned down and sucked on her right breast, a lusty gasp released from her mouth. Heath took his time on each nipple. He massaged, sucked, and pinched them over and over until they were totally sore and completely swollen, causing juices to seep from her pussy. Her want was so intense, so demanding, she panted, “Please, I have to have you inside me, Heath.”

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“You can do better than that, sweetheart. What part of me do you want?” “God, your cock. I have to have it.” “Where do you want it, honey?” “M–My pussy. Please. I can’t stand much more.” “You can. I’m not going to be rushed, Charly. You’re too sweet for that, and I’m enjoying seeing you in this state of lusty suffering. But I promise I will let you have my dick in that tight, pretty pussy of yours.” Heath continued to torture her nipples with his lips, tongue, and teeth. Electricity zipped over her skin and through her body like lightning. He moved his hand down her side. “Now time to sample that sweet cunt of yours, honey.” Her womb clenched with want. Licking the entire way, he moved down her body until she could feel his hot, manly breath on her soaked pussy. His fingers glided over her swollen flesh, and he stared at her mound like it was a masterpiece. “So gorgeous. You’re nice and wet for me, Charly. I like that.” She chewed on her lip, thrilled at his lusty compliments. “I’m not really very experienced at this,” she confessed. In fact, I was a virgin until only a few days ago. A tinge of guilty panic zipped through her. “What about Drake?” Heath’s eyebrows shot up, and his hands stopped moving over her skin. For a brief moment, she thought he might call a stop to this. He smiled. “He’ll be fine. This is how we roll in Wilde. Don’t you worry about a thing, sweetheart.” Whatever he’d been considering, he had resolved it and would continue on this path. “I’ve got the wheel.” “This is how we roll” clanged in her head. Charly wanted and needed to believe him that Drake would be fine. Heath parted her slick folds with his calloused fingers and began rubbing her clit with the flat of this thumb. All resistance evaporated inside her, as he made her every nerve ending fire. She felt unhinged,

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out of control, and so desirous for more. When his tongue flicked on her clit, she moaned. He guided her legs wider and licked her into an oblivious state of heat, moisture, and dizziness. “Your cream is silky sweet and hot. I’ve wanted to taste your pussy’s desserts since I first met you, Charly Wynn. You haven’t disappointed.” He clipped her clit with his fleshy lips. Instinctively, she wrapped her legs around his shoulders. Her hands shot back to his hair. He wanted me from the first day. The knowledge of that fact thrilled her. “I’m glad you want me, cowboy. I want you, too,” she confessed. He immediately stopped licking her pussy. His head tilted up, and he looked at her from between her thighs. “I–I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?” A bundle of panic shot through her. “Like I told you, I’m new to this.” “No. You didn’t say anything wrong.” His tone was soft but serious, easing her fears. “Should we stop, Heath?” Her body shook. What was he thinking? “Not a chance.” His eyes disappeared from her sight, and she felt his teeth capture her clit and press slightly. Everything exploded inside her. Her body shook, and her pussy clenched as the orgasm rolled out from her depths. Heath lapped at her swollen flesh, and his fingers pierced her cunt. She heard him moan as his hands moved to her thighs. He spread them wider. She grabbed his hair and tugged him in closer. He moved his left hand back to her pussy. His mouth teased her and his fingers threaded through her swollen folds. It was too much of a flood to hold back. She screamed, “Yes! G–God, yes!” Heath kept her climax hot and firing with his mouth on her pussy. It went on for what seemed like an eternity. As it began to subside a

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bit, she watched him strip out of his clothes. His thick cock was an erect nine inches, if not more. He put on a condom. She trembled, thinking about how it would feel to take his cock into her pussy. She knew it would hurt at first, but then pleasure, insane pleasure, would follow. “I’m going to use your sweet cream to help us out, honey.” Heath wiggled his fingers through her folds. Then he moved his fist to his condom-sheathed cock, lubricating it with her juices. “I can’t wait to feel your pussy grabbing my dick.” His words fanned the flames of need inside her. Gazing into his eyes, she bit her lip, readying herself for his cock to pierce her flesh. Heath’s stare seemed to go on and on, but he didn’t move to take her. Though still reeling from her recent orgasm, Charly began to become self-conscious. “What?” “God, you are beautiful.” Heath grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her close, lips to lips. “Fuck, you’re going to ruin me, Charly.” His lips brushed against hers. “I think it’s more likely the other way around, cowboy.” He smiled and kissed her once again. She felt lost to so many amazing sensations. Unbelievably, her pussy became even more soaked. Heath took her wrists in his hands and pinned them to the seat of the car. His nostrils flared like a hungry lion, and his eyes were filled with hot lust. “Time to feel your hot, tight cunt around my dick.” Before she could speak, Heath got on top of her, pressing his dick against her puffy pussy’s lips. His cock felt massive, and she couldn’t help but gasp. Expertly, he began shoving his dick inch by inch into her channel. The initial pain was familiar but tolerable, though barely. One monstrous thrust after another left her panting and writhing under him. He moved to her ear and bit down. The man was pure animal. Her heartbeat raced, and she held her breath as the sting eased back.

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Sensations zoomed through her like hot summer winds. Her pussy clenched onto his flesh, and she heard him moan once again. “Fuck. That’s it, honey. Take every inch of me inside that sweet cunt.” He tugged on her hair and breathed hot air into her ear. Bit by bit, the build of another orgasm approached, and still he plunged his cock into her. Again and again. The whole car shook as his thrusts came faster and faster, deeper and deeper. Every part of her was hot, wet, and shaking. His strokes hit that spot inside her that turned her inside out. He picked up the pace of his stabs into her body. “Fuck. So good. So tight.” Trembling and gasping, Charly felt the climax build from deep inside her, rolling out like a geyser through the rest of her body. A myriad of sensations exploded from her—blistering hot, deliciously decadent, and wonderfully wet. Sparks fired over her skin, and the walls of her pussy vibrated against his cock. She felt Heath stiffen. Then he yelled, “Fuck! Yes! Charly!” Then his cock jerked as he, too, came.

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Chapter Five Only a few hours down the road on the trip to Malibu, and still, Heath hadn’t come up with a plan to fix the mess he’d created at his garage. Charly had fallen asleep less than fifteen miles outside of Wilde. The old guilt now mingled with new guilt. And yet, he loved having her head on his shoulder. The Chevy’s radio played a soft country love song, and the dashboard’s display illuminated Charly’s perfect form. He looked back to the dark highway, trying to keep his dick in check. They’d stopped at the Nevada-California border for a bite to eat, and she’d immediately fallen asleep after they got back in the Chevy. Charly yawned, and her long lashes fluttered open. “How long have I been asleep?” “Not long, sweetheart.” Everything about her called to his instincts to possess and to protect. “The diner we ate at earlier is only seventy-five miles back.” “Do you want me to drive? You’ve been behind the wheel the whole time.” He shook his head. Sleep was the last thing he needed. Driving would allow him more time to try to figure a way out of mayhem. “I’m fine. You worry about your interview.” “Thanks.” Charly grabbed the papers she’d been reading most of the way whenever she was awake since leaving the garage. “What time do you think we’ll get there?” “According to the GPS, we should be there with a couple hours to spare.”

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“Good. That’ll give me a chance to freshen up somewhere. Once the interview is done, I’ll drive us back.” “Not a chance. We’re getting a room for you to freshen up and to stay the night. We can hit the road in the early morning to get to Wilde.” She frowned. “I can’t afford a room, and I don’t want you paying. You’ve already done too much.” He squeezed her with his right arm. “I told you that I want some beach time. Besides, I will decide what is too much, Charly, not you.” She sighed. “I don’t know how to argue with you.” “You should stop trying, sweetheart.” She wasn’t like any woman he’d been with. Besides being so very gorgeous, Charly’s honesty, charm, and goodness had flattened Heath completely out, leaving a deep, demanding hunger inside him. The stupid game with his brothers was long forgotten since taking her to his garage. She wasn’t some pretty little rope to play tug-of-war with. She was no gold digger, like Gabby. What lay ahead once he was back on the ranch would be tougher than anything he’d ever faced. This was completely different than what happened with Gabby. Then, he’d been trying to protect his brothers from her. Now that he’d spent time with Charly, he knew the game had changed. If he didn’t get his brothers on board, he would lose them forever. Still, whatever the pain or cost, he must make sure that Charly Wynn was his. “Get some rest.” I’ve got to unravel this disaster. He touched Charly’s silky locks, and suddenly an idea formed. It would take some doing, but he thought it might just work. “You want to be fresh for the interview, don’t you?” “Okay, cowboy. You’ve got the reins.” **** Unfortunately, Charly had arrived at her interview late. Heath had stopped just outside Lancaster, California, insisting she

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should rest for a bit. Unable to refuse his logic that they had plenty of time for the rest of the trip, she didn’t argue. He fell asleep on the bed when she’d taken a much-needed shower. Snuggling into the sleeping giant, she, too, had drifted off. Regretfully, they’d overslept. Then the road construction, a couple of accidents, and the traffic had added a couple of hours more to their trip. Even though late, her interview had gone great. Standing on the sidewalk in front of the rehab facility, she waited for Heath to pick her up and couldn’t stop smiling. Sure it was due in part to the feedback she’d gotten from the hiring manager, but the bigger part was how excited she was to get to spend more time with her cowboy savior. When she saw the Chevy coming down the drive, Charly realized that only a few days ago she’d never imagined she’d be waiting on any man, let alone a guy who had muscles that any professional athlete would be envious of. Then an image of Drake appeared in her head, along with a sudden dose of guilt. But why should I be? Isn’t this normal for these brothers? But she recalled how Drake had acted around the elder Strong brothers and wondered if she’d screwed up everything. Heath pulled the car up with the driver’s side next to her and killed the engine. She stepped toward the front of the car, heading to the passenger’s side. How can I fix my mistake? Her shoulders sagged, heavy with the weight of shame. He opened his door as she started to go around the car. “Where are you going?” “To get in the car.” Drake’s image smiled at her, and her heart ripped in two. There’d been no promises, no commitments spoken, but she’d crossed a line with Heath, breaking the unspoken ones. “Come here.” His commanding tone made her tingle and filled her with concern. “What did I do?” What fool would try to juggle two brothers? Me, of course.

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He laughed. “My mother would be ashamed of me if I didn’t open your door.” “You posing as a gentleman today?” He sure wasn’t a gentleman back at his garage yesterday. But he wasn’t the only one to blame. She carried her share, too. “Maybe.” Heath put his arm around her, guiding her to the driver’s door. “Besides, I want you close to me, not on the other side of the car.” “Holding tight to those reins, cowboy?” “You betcha.” He opened the Chevy’s door for her. “After you, sweetheart.” She scooted inside, moving to the middle of the bench seat. “Happy?” He crawled in after her. “More than you know. How did it go?” “Really well, I think.” He nodded and turned the key in the ignition. “You can tell me all about it after you get some rest at the hotel.” “A shower sounds nice, too.” “You’ll like the room, I think.” “One room?” “You betcha.” His hand came down on her thigh, causing her heart to pound in her chest a little faster. Charly wondered if there would be two beds, but she doubted that. “You wanted to go to the beach, right?” “After you rest, I thought we could drive to the beach.” “You just don’t look like a typical beach rat to me, cowboy.” “You’d be surprised at what kinds of things I like to do.” When they got to the hotel, she realized that Heath must have spent a fortune on the room. The place was opulent, clearly for wealthy vacationers to enjoy not someone like her. Alone in the elevator, she turned to him. “I’ll pay you back for my half after I get my first check, Heath.” He pulled her in close and feathered his lips against her mouth.

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“Not a chance, honey.” Tingles spread across her skin, and she felt her cheeks burn hot. They took the elevator to the top floor, and Heath used the key card to open the door to their room. He motioned her inside, following behind with her bag, which he insisted on carrying. The suite was as stunning as the rest of the place. A tray full of snacks sat on a credenza in the foyer alongside a Keurig coffeemaker with a wide assortment of gourmet java choices. The bathroom had warm Italian marble, nickel-brushed fixtures, two large oval mirrors, a whirlpool tub, and a large shower. There was a sitting area with a sofa and two upholstered chairs. A wall of windows draped in sheer, white linen let in soft sunlight. All the opulence reminded her that she only had fifteen dollars left in her purse, but what had her really jumpy inside was the comfy king-size bed. “Heath, I wonder if the sofa is a sleeper.” His face darkened, and she immediately wished she hadn’t said that. “Why don’t you go take a shower before I tell you how the sleeping arrangement is going to be tonight?” “I didn’t mean to upset you, it’s just that I’m not…Well, you know what happened at your garage?” She folded her hands together to hide the fact that they were shaking. “I was there, yes.” His unflinching gaze added to her alreadyexpanding alarm. “I’m not sure that should happen again.” When he placed his hands on her shoulders, she found it hard to breathe. “Go on.” She choked out, “I don’t know if I’m like Jessie.” He cupped her chin, and his stare seemed even more intense than ever before. “How are you not like your cousin?” Her lips trembled as she whispered, “The multiple-groom thing.” “Are you thinking marriage already, Charly?” “That’s not what I mean.”

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“I know, but I do think you’re getting ahead of yourself.” He continued to cup her chin with his left hand, and he moved his right hand to her hair and began stroking her curls. “Do you always think and plan twelve steps ahead, sweetheart?” She sighed. “I’ve had to.” “Well, it’s only you and me in this room, right now. Just us. I like being here with you and I believe you feel the same way, too.” She nodded, feeling her pussy begin to clench at the tenderness in his voice. “That makes me happy, honey.” Heath leaned down and kissed her, making her pussy damp. His musk and cedar scent overwhelmed her. He swept his tongue past her lips and deepened their kiss. The back of her knees weakened, and she moaned into his talented mouth. Her nerves fired hot, and her nipples began to throb under her top. Heath stepped back, and then he hoisted her up in his arms. “Now, I think it’s time for that shower.” “That sounds nice.” She liked his take-charge demeanor— demanding but not overbearing. Her cheeks were hot, so she knew they had to be bright red. When he guided her into the bathroom, he removed her clothing slowly. Did he actually give a shit about her? Charly thought he might, even if it was just a little bit. With every bit of clothing he removed, he took time to stroke her exposed skin before moving on to the next article. Heath had also driven her all the way to Malibu. And he wanted her. That was evident. She glanced down at the crotch area of his jeans, which couldn’t hide his massive erection. Her own body responded to his touches, kisses, and even his words like a moth to the flame. Their time in the Chevy back at his garage had undone her. Now that she’d tasted his delights, Charly longed for more. Was that the reason she wasn’t resisting him in any way? He was a gentleman, a big, muscular cowboy, who was more self-assured than

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most. “Let me get the water warm in the shower for us.” For us? Taking a shower with him was exactly what she desired. The man knew what he wanted, and that he wanted her caused her libido to go into overdrive. “I bet you like your showers warm, even hot, sweetheart.” Even his most benign words had her insides tingling. “I do.” Heath let the water shoot from the shower. Steam began wafting in the air, and her nipples began to throb. Heath emptied his pockets’ contents. He tossed the keys onto the tank of the commode. He put several packages of condoms and a bottle of lubricant on the caddy in the shower, causing her to chew on her lip. He removed the last of Charly’s clothing. and then placed her on the long marble counter. The stone felt cool on her naked ass. He walked back to the counter and leaned down in front of her. His mouth was a feather’s breadth away from her right nipple, and she could feel the heat of his breath on it. Her pussy clenched as his tongue flicked the tiny bit of flesh. Tears pricked at her eyes, and she shot her hands around his neck. Cravings, so primal and so basic, clawed at her insides. His hands found the curves of her sides as he continued sucking on her breasts until she wanted to scream with delight. Heath was ravenous, and Charly was thrilled that the meal he most wanted was her. Heath stepped back and stripped completely, exposing the body of a Greek god. Every inch of him was utter male perfection. His erect, monstrous cock caused her to stare. “You like?” he asked with a teasing tone. Hot blood filled her cheeks, but she still confessed with a nod that she did like. “I bet you’d like a taste?” “But the water is running. Isn’t that a bit of a waste, cowboy?”

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“It’ll keep on running, sweetheart. It’s included on the bill. Besides, I wouldn’t want to waste those pretty little lips of yours. They would look perfect around my dick.” Heath grabbed one of the big bath towels. “This is for your knees, honey.” He folded it into a little pad and placed it on the marble floor. Completely transfixed by his amazing body, she involuntarily licked her lips. She wanted to taste him. Using only his mouth, Heath had made her come in his garage. The orgasm had been mind blowing. He was such a giving lover, and now she wanted to give to him. Charly started to slide off the counter, but Heath raised his hand in a commanding gesture that instructed her to stop. “In a hurry, honey?” He grinned. “I’ll get you off the counter. I’m the one who put you there in the first place.” This cowboy was bossy, but she found herself excited and turned on by it. “Okay. You seem to be the one running the show.” His eyes glistened, turning her on even more. “You’ve got that right, sweetheart.” Heath’s touch felt amazing against her bare skin. Most of her life, she’d felt chunky and dowdy, but the ease with which he hoisted her up in his arms made her feel light and sexy. “Here you go, honey.” He lowered her to the towel, and she bent her legs, leaving her knees on the soft fabric. The marble floor was cool and hard, unlike the gift of the white cloth he’d made sure would make her comfortable. There was so much more to this rugged cowboy than she could’ve imagined when she’d first met him. Something about him screamed “protector,” “champion,” and of course “lover.” Everything about him made her heart pound faster and harder. Magnetic heat poured from him so strongly that she believed no mere mortal could resist, least of all someone like her. “Well?” He stared down at her like a conqueror expecting his tribute. Charly looked directly at his enormous erection right in front of

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her face, and then she looked back at him. “I’m not very experienced at this.” “I know. Touch my dick, sweetheart, with your fingers first.” Her hands trembled, but she obeyed him. With the tip of her index finger, she touched the slit of his cock. A drop of his pre-slick oozed from it. She pulled her hand back and rubbed the liquid between her thumb and finger. “That’s perfect, honey. Get real familiar with my cum. Go on and sample it.” Happy to oblige him, she brought her fingers up to her lips and licked the wetness she’d stolen from the head of his dick. It was warm and tasted salty with a tiny hint of spiciness. “I can’t wait to feed you more of my seed, sweetheart.” More than anything at that moment, she wanted to please him. She tilted her head forward, opening her mouth wide as she did. But Heath reached down and cupped her chin, stopping her from swallowing his cock. “Don’t suck on it yet.” “I don’t understand. I thought you wanted this?” With his free hand, he began stroking her hair. “More than you can even imagine, but I want you to enjoy this, too.” By his tone, she knew he meant it, and that made her pussy clench hard. “I’m sure I will.” “That’s right, honey. If you’ll follow my instructions, you will have one of the best experiences you can imagine.” “Okay. I’m clay. Mold me as you will, boss.” He laughed. “Sassy. I love it. Let your fingers guide you first, sweetheart.” “Got it.” Charly reached for his dick and wrapped her fingers around the shaft. If felt solid as a metal pole. “Umm. Good. Now, cup my balls with your other hand.” Immediately, she complied. His testicles were heavy with seed and felt warm in her hand.

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“Fuck yes.” She looked up at him. His eyes were lidded. “How does that feel, cowboy?” “Awesome.” She began pumping on his shaft and very gently squeezing his balls just to see how he would respond. “Damn, girl. You’ve got magic fingers.” “You ready for me to suck on you now?” “Hell yes. You take all the time you need. But if I say ‘stop,’ you stop, understand?” Charly nodded. She didn’t want to take any more time teasing his cock. She was ready to wrap her lips around his thick dick. Leaning in, she kissed the bulbous head of his dick. “That’s so…good, honey, so…very good. Your lips are so soft and pretty. Gorgeous.” He slurred his words like a man who’d been drugged, and Charly loved being that drug for him. His scent was strong, and she loved the way he smelled—musk and cedar. Bringing her mouth to his cock, she licked the pearl of liquid sitting on top of the slit. “You like how I taste, honey?” “Uh-huh.” Squeezing his shaft, she swallowed the head of his dick. “Perfect, honey. God, yes.” With both hands, Heath tugged on her hair. “Better than I imagined. Fuck.” He’d been so good to her, and now she wanted to make him feel good, too. Charly took more of his cock down her throat. “Baby, that’s good, but don’t rush. Keep breathing and relax your throat.” Charly was glad for his instruction. It made her feel more secure in what she was doing for him. If it didn’t work, he’d tell her. Plus, he clearly wanted her to enjoy the experience, and she certainly was. In fact, she felt empowered and so very sexy. Soon, she went down his long, thick dick as far as she could.

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There were more inches past her lips, but that would be impossible for her tonight given how big Heath’s cock was. Still, he seemed to be enjoying her oral treatment. “You can take more, Charly. Just take your time.” His encouragement worked like a charm on her, and she swallowed a bit more of his pulsing, monstrous cock. “That’s right, honey. Fuck, that’s so good.” His voice deepened, sounding more like a growl than words. “I want you to swallow every drop of me, understand?” She wanted that, too. To keep her balance, Charly moved one hand to his muscular thigh, but kept the other stroking his cock in unison with her bobbing head, creating a virtual extension of her mouth on him. The more she sucked, the more she wanted him to shoot his cum into her mouth. Heath groaned loudly. “Close, sweetheart. So close.” Loving the feeling of power, she sucked harder than ever and sped up her rhythm of mouth and hand. Her nipples throbbed, and heat swept over her. “Yes! Take my seed, Charly. All of it!” The hot liquid crashed down her throat like a flood, and she felt his cock jerk hard in her mouth. Charly drank down his seed and squeezed on his slick ball sac. “Fuck!” he yelled, pushing at the back of her head with both his hands. She surrendered to his touch and swallowed another fraction of an inch of his shaft. When his touch softened and he began stroking her hair, she bobbed up and down his cock slowly, bathing him with her mouth. When Charly finally released him from her lips, she licked the tip of his cock, making sure not to miss a single drop of his cum. She looked up into his eyes. “How did I do?” “You knock me out, Charly. You did great.” He pulled her up off the floor and into his arms. With her legs dangling, she wrapped her arms around his neck, enjoying his hold on her. Then he feathered his

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lips against hers. It was so natural to surrender fully to his kiss, so perfect. “Okay, so I think we’ve wasted enough water. Let’s take that shower, now.” “Yes, boss.” “How about you trying ‘Sir’ on for size?” She smiled and closed her eyes. “Yes, Sir.” Without a word, he took two steps, and they were in the shower together. She opened her eyes as he set her on her feet on the tiled floor. The warm water poured from the showerhead, heating her skin until it became a dark shade of pink. She looked back into Heath’s eyes. Her mind manufactured a white picket fence around a big yard and a white house. Silly, for sure, but still her imagination painted more impossible dressings to the fantasy—two yellow Labs, a swing on the porch, and even a couple of kids. What was it about him that made her feel so feminine, blissful, and safe? Everything, of course. But this isn’t real. It can’t be. My future is in Malibu, not Wilde. “Where did you go, Charly?” His sexy voice pulled her from her musings and ignited her nerve endings anew. “Just daydreaming, cowboy. That’s all.” Thinking about how easy it was to give herself to him totally moved her to tears. She tried to hide them from him, but he placed his hand under her chin, making her face him directly. “Something wrong?” He sounded honestly concerned. “No. You’ve been awesome.” “There’s more to come, honey. Much more.” He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. His demanding tongue swept into her mouth and deepened the kiss. Sensations akin to electricity zoomed over her skin. With just the touch of his lips, he’d calmed her mind and worry. All that remained was desire that reached down into her very core and made her pussy clench and her body burn. Heath’s fingers moved over her body, arousing her to beyond

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crazy. As his touches skated up and down her sides, she couldn’t help but moan into his nearly never-ending kiss. His lips pressed harder, more demanding, more urgent. His cock was rock solid and ready, pressing against her skin. “Mmm.” Trying not to moan would’ve been impossible. Tingles spread from her pussy, and her clit began to throb. When Heath ended the kiss, Charly had to hold on to him, fearing she might fall to the shower floor with her very-weakened knees. “Okay, I think it is way past time I get you cleaned up, sweetheart.” He moved behind her, positioning her directly in front of the water shooting from the showerhead. As the warm water hit her chest, she moaned again. The streams of liquid hit her nipples, making them throb almost painfully. Heath pressed his front to her backside. “Lean in. I’m going to wash your hair first. Get it really wet and soaked for me.” She obeyed, knowing her pussy was already complying with his request. Again, she felt his dick on her skin, but now it pressed against the small of her back. She had the strangest urge to stand on her tippy-toes, but she didn’t, though the feel of his cock on her ass would’ve been even nicer. Charly leaned in and let her hair get completely saturated. The scent of the fresh water and the hotel’s scented shampoo mingled together creating an olfactory delight. Longing coiled from her mouth, breasts, belly, thighs, and even down to her pussy. Everything was on fire inside her, and the need to have his cock in her body was maddening. Heath combed her locks with his soapy fingers. “That feel good, honey?” “Uh-huh.” He took his time with her hair, massaging her scalp. “Okay, let’s rinse your hair now. Lean in again.” She did, and he worked all the shampoo out of her hair. He stroked her hair, making her dizzy and hot. “Perfect. That’s

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done. Now, let’s lather up that sexy body of yours and get you nice and clean.” Charly squeezed her thighs together as the longing and ache grew in her pussy. Heath unwrapped the bar of soap provided by the hotel. Using only his hand, no cloth, he washed her breasts, moving the bar over her nipples until they were jutting out and throbbing. When he clamped his teeth onto her earlobe during the washing, Charly’s heartbeat raced. She could still feel his cock at her lower back. A wonderful dizziness took hold of her as Heath continued to knead her chest with his left hand, and with the other, he lathered up her belly. Heath released her ear and then licked her neck. “You’re so smooth, honey.” His voice deepened, filled with what sounded to her like expanding lust. Need tugged deep inside her, and without thought, she moved her fingers down to her pussy. “Ohh.” She pressed on her clit, imagining how incredible it would be to have his cock inside her pussy. “That’s it, sweetheart. Let go. Enjoy.” Heath tweaked her nipple, and she melted her back into his front. Every inch of her vibrated and burned. Her pussy was soaked, not from the steamy water, but from her own juices. If he didn’t take her soon, she’d go completely mad. Using his fingers, he soaped up every inch of her upper body— neck, shoulders, back, arms, and sides. His hands became more than just vehicles for cleanliness. They were instruments of massage that released every bit of tension inside her. “Feels so good, cowboy,” she breathed. “Wait until I wash your pretty little pussy and sweet, perky ass. In fact, let’s do that now.” Giddy with anxious desire, she nodded. He turned the spray of the shower to a lower flow. “Turn around for me, sweetheart.” She obeyed and shivered when she looked into his eyes and saw a

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hunger that almost frightened her—almost. His gaze moved up and down her body until settling back again on her eyes. “You’re quite the package, Charly.” Heath knelt down and began working on her lower half. He started with her legs, sliding up and down, from thigh to calf and back again. “Wow. A woman could get used to this, cowboy.” “That’s what I’m banking on, sweetheart. Lift your right foot just a bit for me.” “My feet can be pretty ticklish, Heath.” “Trust me.” “Okay.” “That’s it. Keep your balance.” “Easier said than done. You’ve got my head spinning.” He looked up at her, holding on to her foot, and grinned. “Then I have you exactly where I want you.” As he gently massaged her foot, Charly’s want rose even higher. She’d never thought of her feet as erogenous, but somehow he was able to turn them into virtual heat generators. He guided her right foot under the spray and rinsed it. Then he swallowed her toes in his mouth. Her clit throbbed, and her body shook. “You’ve got the prettiest feet I’ve ever seen in my life, honey.” He guided her right foot back to the tile. “Lift your left foot for me now.” He worked on her left foot exactly as he’d done on her right, until Charly wasn’t sure she could stand on her own much longer. Thankfully, he stood up and steadied her with his arms. He moved her under the spray until all her skin was free of soap. “Turn back around, honey.” When she did, he spread her buttocks with his hands. Need ripped her insides. “I can’t take much more of this teasing.” “That’s what I like to hear, but I know you can—and will.” He knelt down behind her.

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When his tongue laved her backside’s tight ring, currents of desire shot up from deep inside her. She shoved her fingers to her throbbing clit and puffy folds. She was wet and turned on to the edge of sanity. Her control fled, and her wildness swelled. Heath worked on her ass with his tongue, making her shake from head to toe. She was thrashing her pussy with her hands, unable to hold back. “You’re close, sweetheart?” “Y–Yes…I’m…so close.” “Good. Go for it.” “But I want you inside me, Heath. I need it.” “There’s a little bit of a vixen in you.” He laughed. “Your pleasure is my command.” As Heath rose to his feet, his hands moved up her body. He reached for the condoms and lube on the caddy. She heard the cap of the bottle pop open, then felt him circle her backside entrance with a lubricated finger. Ripples of need rolled through her body. “Breathe, honey.” She tried to obey but could only pant. He stretched her ass with a plunging finger. With his other hand, he reached around and tweaked her nipple. “You still want me inside your tight ass, sweetheart?” “Please. I need…” “Yes, you do, and I’m going to give you what will satisfy you, honey. I can’t wait to feel your tight ass around my dick.” His voice rumbled like a storm, causing her to get even wetter, if that was even possible. He removed his hand from her chest, and then she heard the ripping of a foil condom package behind her. She felt his sheathed dick nestle between her ass cheeks. The tip of his cock pressed on the tight entrance of her backside. Without a word, Heath thrust into her with his dick. She bit her lip, resisting the urge to yell. The sting turned quickly into sensations

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that spread to every cell in her body. Heath held her by the hips as he pounded in and out of her ass. “You are fucking tight. You like my dick inside your pretty ass, little vixen?” “Y–Yes…I…love it.” His thrusts sped up, and he growled. She was lost and loving the moment, the sex—him! “Now!” he yelled. “God!” Charly screamed as the waves of her climax shot throughout her. She thrashed back into him like a wild woman. His cock filled her beyond what she thought possible. Her legs began to weaken, so to keep her balance, she shot her hands in front of her to the shower’s tiled wall. Heath’s body crashed against her back, and she felt him bite down on her neck. He came, breathing a single, extended syllable. “Fuck.” They moved, their bodies melding together as if they'd become a single entity—an all consuming bundle of passion. In that moment, she was connected to Heath in all the ways that mattered. As her womb continued clenching and releasing, she leaned back into his muscled frame. She closed her eyes and licked her lips, relishing the strong sensations firing in her body. Her head was spinning, and she had no sense of time or space, though a part of her was aware that Heath had hoisted her up into his arms. When she finally did open her eyes and the world came into a clearer focus, she was under the covers on the bed with Heath’s arms and legs wrapped completely around her from behind. She wiggled gently against his naked flesh. His lovemaking had been so amazing and giving. There was much more to the man than she’d first thought. Much more. He kissed the back of her neck. In a very low tone, barely audible,

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he whispered, “You’re mine, Charly Wynn.” She tensed. “What?” “I thought you were asleep.” He interlaced her locks with his fingers, soothing her sudden alarm. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” “But you did. What do you mean that I’m yours?” “Shh, sweetheart. Everything is going to be fine. Don’t fret about a thing. We’re both exhausted and need some sleep.” That’s true. Perhaps I didn’t hear him right. “Okay. I am so tired.” Again, he kissed her neck. Then he squeezed her with his arms and legs, pulling her body into his even tighter. “No alarm clock in the morning. We’ll get up when we wake up.” “Sounds perfect to me, cowboy.” What if he does think of me as something permanent in his life? What then? But before she could come up with any logical answers, Charly drifted off to sleep.

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Chapter Six Sitting alone in his hotel room, the man looked down at the pictures he’d placed on the bed. One thing common to all of them, though there were some with several people in the shots, was they included an image of one particular person—Charly Wynn. Most of the photos were of her when she was a child. One was from her sixteenth birthday. Another was of her next to her cousin, Jessie. There were many more he’d viewed and arranged in order of her age in each picture. The one he held in his hand was of Charly in a cap and gown. The image was from the day she received her college degree. She looked stunning and almost happy, though in the photo she stood with only one parent, her mother, instead of two. A knock on the door startled him. “Who the bloody hell could that be?” He placed the last photo next to the others, and grabbed his gun— a total “no-no” under the terms of his parole. Then he opened the door tentatively, keeping the chain attached. “Yes?” The man on the other side of the door looked to be in his late twenties. He wore a long, black overcoat. “I apologize for the late hour, but I’m here to find Mr. Charles Wynn. Is that you, sir?” The kid had a thick English accent. “Who wants to know?” his own accent had been muddied by years of life in America and, to an even greater degree, by his time in prison. The young man’s eyes, a mirror image of his own, opened wide. “I’m his son, Preston.”

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His jaw dropped. “I don’t have a son.” “Mr. Wynn, you do. Gayle Cromwell is my mother. Do you remember her?” Of course he did. Gayle was the girl he’d fallen for at his first year at university. The kid might just be telling the truth. “How old are you?” “Twenty-eight.” The time worked out. “How did you find me, Preston?” “I’m resourceful, sir.” “I guess you are.” His head reeled. He’d always thought Charly was his only child. Now he was learning he had a son, and that bit of information might change everything he’d planned. “What the hell are you doing here?” The man on the other side shook his head. “I have some news about my grandparents, your parents.” “So you came all the way from England just to deliver some message from people that disowned me long ago?” Preston shrugged. “They were good to me, Mr. Wynn.” “Really? I would’ve loved to see the look on their faces when you showed up.” A bastard showing up to the manor would’ve sent his father into the stratosphere. “I found them seven months ago. They were surprised at first, but opened their hearts to me very quickly.” Clearly, the kid had forged a relationship with his biological grandparents, Charles’s own flesh-and-blood parents. “How’s my father holding up?” “He died three months ago, sir.” He let that bit of information sink in. “And my mother?” “Ten days ago she died. I think her heart broke, Mr. Wynn.” It had been many years since the old bastard had disowned him and his mother had done nothing. In prison, he’d wondered if his parents were still alive. He should’ve been happy that the asshole was dead, but he wasn’t.

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He didn’t need the complication of another child to disappoint. “Well, is that it?” “No. May I come in?” He’d run out on the boy’s mother, rather than face her penniless. What would the kid think of him if he learned that little tidbit? Or about his time in prison? Or about having a sister? “Why should I let you in, Preston?” “You’re my father.” “Who didn’t know you existed until five minutes ago.” He hated to be so harsh with the lad, but he had been one sorry excuse for a dad with Charly already. He didn’t have any desire to fuck up another life. “Your parents put you back in the will about ten years ago, Mr. Wynn.” That was more shocking to him than learning he had a twentyeight-year-old son. “Well, I suppose you can come in, Preston. Apparently, I do need to hear all you know.” **** Charly looked at her tangled hair reflected in the mirror. Heath had left her alone a little bit ago to fuel up his car for the trip back to Wilde. She expected him back in less than fifteen minutes, not enough time to try to fix the mess she saw in the glass. “He’ll just have to wait if he gets back sooner,” she said aloud. She took her toothbrush and paste out of her overnight bag. Only ten seconds into brushing her teeth, her cell phone buzzed in the next room. She wasn’t about to try to answer it with foam spewing from her mouth. It buzzed again. But she finished brushing her teeth. As she rinsed her mouth, the third and final buzz came from her phone. Charly knew it would go to voice mail after that, and she could call them back. Right now, she wanted to try to look at least halfway

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human. After about twenty minutes, she was satisfied enough with the result. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and her face looked better for the makeup she’d put on. Her outfit, jeans and a light-blue sweater, actually worked well with her full figure. All in all, she was pleased. Her phone buzzed again. Same person? She walked out of the bathroom and picked up her phone from the nightstand. Her heart sank. The caller was Drake, Heath’s brother and the man she’d slept with only a couple of nights earlier. Guilt crawled up and down her spine. But why should I feel guilty? There’s no commitment between me and Drake. “Hello.” “Charly, put Heath on the phone, now.” Drake’s anger was evident immediately to her. “He’s not here.” “Bullshit! I know you’re with him. Put him on, and I mean now!” Her guilt evaporated and was replaced by rising ire. “Cool it, Drake. I don’t like your tone.” “And I don’t like that you went to Malibu with my brother, but we are far from even, Charly. Now, put him on.” “I. Told. You. He. Is. Not. Here.” So much for not foaming at the mouth. Indignant, she asked, “Shall I spell it out for you, cowboy?” Silence. As the dead air continued for a couple more minutes, she thought about how good Drake had been to her. The more her mind tossed that around in her head, the quicker her fury drained out. Why had she gotten so angry with him so suddenly? Her guilt returned faster than lightning striking. He’d been wonderful. She’d been the one who fucked up everything. “I’m sorry, Drake.” “You’re not the one to blame, sweetheart.” “Heath really isn’t here. He went to gas up the car.”

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The door opened, and the missing cowboy walked in. “Who are you talking to, honey?” “Drake,” she squeaked out. “Give me the phone,” he said, holding out his hand. Wondering if she should let the brothers talk, her hands began to tremble. “He’s back, Drake, and wants to talk to you.” “Put the asshole on, please,” the younger Strong’s voice came from her cell. Unable to refuse Drake, she gave her cell to Heath and sat down on the bed. “Hey, bro,” Heath said, with not a hint of anger in his voice. “Uhhuh…Right…Nope…Okay.” Then he pulled the phone from his ear and punched the red button, ending the call. “What did he say?” “Don’t worry about that, Charly. He and I will work out our issues.” He cupped her chin. “You look wonderful, honey. You ready for some breakfast before we head down the road?” She’d heard Heath’s side of the conversation with Drake, but not Drake’s. Clearly, Heath had been careful to give only single word answers, hoping to keep her in the dark. She folded her arms over her chest and moved her chin off his hand. “Tell me what he said, Heath. I have a right to know.” “You do and you will, but later. I need to talk with my brother first.” “Stop being so evasive. I know he’s pissed off.” Her gut tightened. “I think he has every right to be, don’t you?” “Yes, he does.” His tone was gentle but firm. “I’m not trying to be evasive with you, Charly.” “Well, you are.” Unshed tears stung her eyes. “Tell me what he said. Please.” Heath sat down beside her on the bed and put his arm around her shoulder. “I don’t want to upset you, honey.” “If you don’t tell me right now, Heath Strong, I’m going to be

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much more than upset.” “Okay. Drake said he was going to kick my ass once we got back to Wilde for making sure he couldn’t take you to Malibu.” Her jaw dropped. “You did what?” “I set it up with Tobias to get him out of the picture. I wanted some time alone with you, Charly.” “This was all a setup?” She wanted to scream. “I’m sure he suspects that we slept together.” “More than that. He knows.” She jerked away from him and stood up. “Let’s get back to Wilde, Mr. Strong.” Heath stood up and grabbed her hands. She looked away and tried to free herself but couldn’t. “Look at me, Charly.” “I don’t want to.” Angry tears streamed down her cheeks. “You tricked me and manipulated your own brother. What kind of man are you?” “A man who is in love.” Charly turned her head and gazed directly at him. “Not possible.” Falling in love had to take time and effort. They’d only known each other for a few days. But what she saw in his eyes made her question everything she believed. Her head spun and her pulse pounded. “Honey, I would’ve thought exactly as you just a few days ago, but now…after spending this trip with you, I know it is true. I want you for my own, Charly Wynn. I must have you.” “Well, you can’t. I–I…have another life course I’m set on.” More tears fell, still from anger but softened by her confusion. “How can I trust you again after what you’ve done?” He cupped her chin, and this time she didn’t jerk free of him. “Now that I know how much you mean to me, I wish I’d done it sooner. Sweetheart, know this, there isn’t anything or anyone that is going to change how I feel about you. Once you spend some time with Nate and Tobias, they will feel the same way.”

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Recalling why things were totally screwed up for her when it came to the brothers, she shook her head. “Right. You Strongs are divided up into two sets of three. Drake, Dax, and Seth on one team, and you, Tobias, and Nate on another. And I get to be the lucky ball the two teams get to pass around. I’ll pass.” She wiped her eyes, and then glared at Heath. He frowned. “It’s not like that at all.” “Don’t lie to me again. I know the score. If Team Older Strongs and Team Younger Strongs want to pound it out for some woman to fight over, I’m out. Got it, cowboy?” “Hear me out, Charly. You are mine. You’ll come to see it my way in time. Besides, there’s more than you know in play here.” Though there were a million thoughts whizzing through her, she focused on just one in order to keep herself from falling completely apart. Heath intentionally deceived me. “Please. Can we go back to Wilde now?” He leaned in, apparently hoping to kiss her into a stupor again. Charly turned her head away from his full lips. “Please, Heath. I need time to think.” He stepped back. She looked back at him. His silence and gaze made her insides quake, but she met it with her own. “Okay, honey. Let’s go grab a bite.” “I’m really not hungry now.” Charly didn’t want to juggle two brothers, let alone six. Sure, she had feelings for Drake. Now after this trip with Heath, she had feelings for him, too. But her plan had always been to end up in Malibu, not Wilde. She needed to earn money to pay off her student loans, to help with her mother’s medical expenses, and to start her life. “You get your time, sweetheart, but I am making it my mission to ensure you are rested, safe, and fed. Understand?” “Fine.” She needed to shake off this fantasy about her and Heath

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Chapter Seven Glancing from the long road ahead, Heath watched Charly as she dozed on the opposite side of him in the front seat. His guilt continued to grow, as it had since he’d spoken to Drake. Charly had remained closed and guarded from the first mile out of Malibu. He’d stopped trying to engage her several hours before, leaving Charly to her thoughts. His own mind worked out his next course of action to win her over for good. He needed to talk to Drake before she did if he had any chance of salvaging the relationship with his younger brother. Still, nothing was clearer to Heath than the fact that Charly Wynn was the only woman for him. The last of his wild oats had been sown. No other woman would ever have a chance at his heart now that she’d come into his life and changed everything. If Charly couldn’t be comfortable in a plural marriage, that would have to be okay with him, but he prayed she could. Being in a marriage of one man and one woman had never been even a remote thought to him. He’d grown up his whole life knowing his future would be sharing a woman with Tobias and Nate. Now, a new idea surfaced. One that wouldn’t be taken well by the town or even his parents, but if it worked, one that would get him the girl of his dreams and give him back his brothers. He’d seen Charly wipe her eyes several times during the trip, but hadn’t said a word about it. Thankfully, she did finally fall asleep. Being an outsider, she did need time to process. He knew that. Drake had said more to him on the phone than he’d shared with her. His little brother was also in love with Charly. This was a totally

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fucked-up mess. If she couldn’t deal with loving more than one man, then, though he hated to dash Drake’s hopes, he must. His younger brother would have to find another woman for him, Dax, and Seth to marry. Tobias and Nate would have to find a woman to share without him, as well. So very strange to the way Heath was brought up, but whatever worked for Charly would work for him. She was his future and his happiness. Though he hated to put her at odds with Drake even for a little bit, it was the only way Heath saw to win Charly fully. For now, dissuading her from his younger brother was necessary for his plan to work. Once the dust settled and Heath had her back in his arms, then he would move on to winning his brothers to his new idea. If anyone could bring his brothers and him together, it was Charly. He turned left at the next intersection with the blinking red light. This highway would take them not to Wilde, but to Elko. Charly would learn that he wasn’t the only one manipulating her. **** “What the hell do you mean that Drake told you to hold off on repairing my car?” Charly felt the acid at the back of her throat. The mechanic shrugged. “Sorry, Miss Wynn.” “‘Sorry’ doesn’t cut it, Harry.” She was furious. “Is it finished now?” “Tomorrow. I promise.” “Make sure it is,” Heath said from behind her. She turned and glared at him. “I can handle this.” He shrugged. “Okay. I’ll let you.” Charly twisted back around and faced the man who had been holding her car hostage. She spat, “What did he say to you that made you agree to not work on my car?” “Charly, don’t push the guy. Drake’s the one at fault here, not Harry.”

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Without turning, she said, “You have enough blame of your own, Heath. I’ve got this under control, and in my estimation, they are both guilty.” “Again, I’m so sorry, miss. But I am a sucker for love, and Drake is completely gone for you.” Her guilt nearly had her gasping for air. “Harry, that’s enough.” Heath’s tone was firm. “I think it’s time that Charly and I got back on the road.” Harry didn’t adhere to his request, but continued frantically, “Miss, Drake said that he was in love with you and just needed a little more time with you to win you over. There was something about driving you to Malibu for some interview.” “This is too much to deal with.” Charly shook her head. What have I gotten myself into? Her heart stung, and tears welled up in her eyes. Heath put his arm around her shoulders. “Honey, let’s get out of here.” She pulled away from him. “This didn’t quite work out the way you thought, did it?” “What do you mean?” His eyebrow shot up. “I may not be a mind reader, but I do have two degrees in psychology, mister. You thought if I learned that Drake had something to do with my car not being fixed, you would eliminate him as a competitor.” “Guilty as charged, sweetheart. I didn’t think Harry would spill the beans about my brother’s confession of having feelings for you.” “Stop trying to play me, cowboy.” She turned back to the mechanic. “Get my car fixed.” “Yes, ma’am.” “Let’s go, Heath.” ****

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“You’ve got nerve, Heath. That’s for sure.” Tobias took a long drink of his beer. “She must be something else for you to fall so hard.” The Horseshoe was pretty empty this time of day. The only other people in the place besides Heath, Nate, and him were Wade and Wyatt Masters. They were identical twins, like his own younger brothers, Drake and Dax. “Charly is amazing, guys.” Heath hadn’t touched his drink. “This will work.” “Your guilt is going to be the death of you, bro.” Nate patted him on the shoulder. “She’s not from Wilde. I don’t see how it can work.” Heath shook his head. “Hear me out.” Tobias had never seen Heath be so insistent. Sure, he was the master manipulator in the family, but he normally worked behind the scenes to get what he wanted, presenting a cool, devil-may-care attitude. Could he actually be telling the truth? Nate motioned Colleen to bring another round. “You might get the twins on board with this, but Seth...not a chance.” Tobias agreed. The old hurt about Gabby hadn’t gone away. Seth had been the one insistent on marrying her, despite what everyone knew about the woman. Drake and Dax had been mesmerized by the gold digger, too. When Heath had taken matters to the next level, the damage he’d left was irreparable. “Seth will be tough, I know. But once you get to know Charly, you’ll see.” Heath clearly still carried guilt for his actions from all those years ago. Still, Tobias believed that if Heath had it to do over, he gladly would to save the younger three from the pain that woman would have brought them. “Six guys and one woman won’t go over with our parents, or anyone else in town. It’s a three to one ratio, you know that.” His eyelids narrowed. “What about our cousins?”

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“That’s entirely different,” Nate answered. “That’s about keeping the mine undivided. They get a pass.” “We should, too.” Heath pounded his fists on the table. “The ranches should be combined. Once done, the new ranch would be the biggest in the state.” “So that’s why you’re wanting us to jump on board with your crazy plan, bro?” Nate’s face darkened. “To get a bigger ranch?” “Hell no. This is about Charly and getting our brothers back. Remember what it was like before Gabby?” Tobias did remember. He missed those days. The six of them were so very close. There was a brotherly trust and love that couldn’t be shaken...well, until Gabby wormed her way into Seth’s and the twins’ lives. Things had spun out of control after that. “Hey, fellows.” Colleen set down three more beers. She picked up Nate’s and his empties. Then she looked at Heath’s full mug. “Still working on that, I see. Usually you’re the Strong that keeps me hopping to bring refills.” Heath drained the mug in a single, long gulp. Then he handed her the empty glass. “I’ve got a lot on my mind.” “Apparently so.” She smiled. “Just let me know if you need anything else.” After she was back behind the bar, Tobias said, “I’ve never seen you like this before, Heath.” “Just give Charly a chance, and you won’t be the same either.” **** “Drake, please don’t come by tonight. I’m exhausted and need some sleep.” Holding her cell to her ear, Charly sat in her hotel room alone. Though wearing her most comfy pj’s, she didn’t feel comfortable. They were blue, much like her current mood. Her eyes were swollen from crying. Her mind told her what she had to do, but her heart wouldn’t budge an inch. Malibu was her

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logical choice. Wilde, and the men in it, would never work for her. But trying to not think about them every second was proving impossible. “My asshole brother is the one to blame for this mess, Charly. You have to believe that.” Heath had left her, under protest, about an hour ago. “You guys are acting as if I’m your girlfriend. I’m not.” “I want you to be more than just a girlfriend, sweetheart.” “I know. But you went behind my back with Harry about my car. Not the right way to start a relationship.” “Charly, I know I fucked up with that.” “Yes, you did. And you’re all moving way too fast for me. I had a plan before I came to Wilde. I’m sorry.” But despite her career goals, two faces kept popping into her head—Heath and Drake. Marriage? Well, that wasn’t even on her radar. But she could almost see her way clear into a plural relationship, if—and only if—it was with those two men. But that couldn’t be. It wouldn’t work for her. “Plans can be changed, Charly.” She sighed. “Yes. And maybe they will, someday. But like I told you earlier, I honestly care for you both. I can’t help it. It’s just how I feel. Besides, isn’t this town all about sharing?” But she knew the answer already. Drake and Heath had been segregated into opposing groups of three—Heath with the other two older brothers, and Drake with the other two younger. What she wanted wasn’t possible, not even in Wilde. “This will all work out for you and me, sweetheart. I promise.” “We can sort this out tomorrow, Drake.” Procrastination wasn’t normally the course she chose, but with her mind so scrambled, it was the only option possible at this hour. “I’ve just got to get some rest.” Switching off the lamp beside the bed, Charly knew that was futile. There would be no way she would get any sleep tonight.

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“Okay, sweetheart. But I will be at your door first thing in the morning.” “Thank you.” “I’ll be done here at the ranch in a couple more hours. Then I’ll be at my house which is only ten miles outside of Wilde. If you need me tonight, call me. I’ll head straight to you.” “I’m glad.” “I love you, Charly.” She wanted to say it back to him, but couldn’t. The risk to her heart was too great. Besides, she didn’t want to lead him on either. “Drake, you know how I feel about you.” “I do. And my job is to make sure you keep falling until you can say those three words to me, too.” She sighed. “Good night, cowboy.” “Good night, sweetheart.” She put the phone on the nightstand and stretched out on the bed. Heath had tried to talk to her on the way from Elko, but she just couldn’t. He was an amazing man and lover, but his trickery to get her alone had left her with many doubts. Still, it was clear to Charly that Heath wanted her. She wanted him, too, but she also wanted Drake. “Leave it to me to screw up everything when it comes to men.” She shook her head and actually smiled at the irony of it all, being too exhausted to cry anymore. I’m being ridiculous. Two-timing hunky cowboys had never been a real choice for her. Malibu was her future. Nothing else. A knock at her door jolted her from her thoughts. She walked over to the door and stared through the peephole. Heath grinned back at her. “I told you I wanted to be alone. Why are you here?” Heath’s muffled voice came through the closed door. “Charly, you didn’t eat a single bite of food today. You need something in your stomach. I brought you a plate of food from the grill. You like cheeseburgers?”

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Her stomach answered him first with a growl. “I do.” She’d just put off Drake until tomorrow. She didn’t have it left in her to argue with Heath. Time to set the record straight with one Strong. “Okay, I’ll let you in, but you better have food, Heath.” Charly opened the door and found not one, but three cowboys standing in front of her. She folded her arms over her breasts, knowing she was wearing her pajamas but no bra. Thankfully, she did have on her panties. “I thought that you should get to know Tobias and Nate a little better.” Heath pulled her into him, kissing her before she could fully process the situation. Exhausted and unable to resist, Charly closed her eyes and drifted into a dreamy space. Without thought, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. Finally, she found logic in a little corner of her weary mind. “Stop. This isn’t right, Heath.” She tried to push him away, but he didn’t budge. “Really? This is how it’s done here, sweetheart. I know you’ve been with my younger brothers. Don’t deny it. Secrets are next to impossible between brothers like us.” Embarrassment burned in her cheeks. “How does that change anything about this?” She looked at Tobias and Nate. “You’re new to our ways. I get that. But don’t my brothers and I deserve to make our case, too?” He stroked her hair and looked down at her hand. “Drake hasn’t put a ring on your finger.” “I’m confused.” Her mind spun wildly. “You’re already talking about rings? This is unbelievable.” “I totally agree.” He kissed her on the forehead. “You’ll learn our ways, sweetheart.” “You think so?” She shook her head, hoping to make him understand how hard this was for her. “I know Jessie somehow has figured out how to make it work with five guys. I’m not her. Even though you want me to choose three of you Strong brothers to date, I

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can’t. Three is too many for me. In fact, two is beyond what I can handle. And then you want me to choose between you and Drake? I can’t.” “One thing at a time, sweetheart.” “But—” “Shh. Listen to me.” Heath’s intense gaze made her tremble. “Before I met you, I thought I could wait another five or ten years to settle down. But now, I can’t imagine a second without you in my life, Charly.” “I wish I could...I want to...but...” “Stop trying, baby. Let me prove to you how much you mean to me, right now.” He devoured her lips once again, causing her head to spin and her resistance to vanish. He hoisted her up in his arms, and she leaned into his chest. It might’ve been the fatigue, hunger, flood of tears, or all of them combined that drained her resistance, leaving her completely overwhelmed by his kiss. She wasn’t sure, but she did feel her inner surrender. Again, her eyes shut. She heard the door close as Heath placed her on the bed. Six hands stripped her of her clothing in seconds. She opened her eyes and saw three hot cowboys gazing down on her. Heath stroked her hair. “You aren’t from here, honey, but we are. This is our way. I love you and will do anything to prove that to you. Understand?” She nodded. Though the aroma of the burger and fries he’d brought tempted her, another hunger, stronger than that for food, rolled inside her pussy. “I want Nate and Tobias to know you like I do, and for you to get to know them, too. Tonight is the first step for all of us.” “Heath, you talk too much.” Nate winked at her. “She’s burning up with lust. We can do the meet and greet another time. Right now, I want her to get some rest from that pretty little head of hers. She’s

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been thinking way too much tonight. Let’s just have some fun.” “I’m with him on this, Heath.” Tobias smiled. Heath leaned down and kissed her once again. It was the most tender of all the kisses she’d received from him, and her clit began to throb. His lips left hers and moved to her ear, whispering. “You okay?” Tingles ran wildly over her skin. Again, she nodded. “Charly, you’ve had so much thrown at you the past few days. Wouldn’t you like to quiet your thoughts?” “How?” It didn’t seem possible, but if there was a way, no matter how slim, she wanted to try. “Trust me.” “Before we get started on training, I need a taste of those perfect lips,” Nate announced, moving Heath aside. Before she could catch her breath, he covered her mouth with his. She tasted a hint of beer on his lips and inhaled his scent of cedar and spice. Another whiff of the sexy cowboy and her ache grew. Nate’s tongue invaded her mouth, apparently sensing her need, and her pussy dampened. “You might be right about this one, Heath.” Tobias stroked her hair. Nate squeezed her nipples before ending their kiss. “There’s a sub inside her waiting to be discovered. I can feel it.” “Slow down, bro. All in good time.” Heath leaned down and touched her cheek. “You are special, sweetheart. More than you know.” “The time to test her is now.” Nate growled. “She’s confused and suffering from all she’s been through in Wilde. Aren’t you, kitten?” She nodded. It was like Nate could read her mind. He grinned, and turned to Heath. “Bro, you weren’t kidding about her.” “I told you.” Heath rubbed on her arms and sides as the other two stripped off their clothing. She gasped when they stood by the bed.

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Their bodies were like all the other Strong brothers, muscled and tan. Both their cocks were monstrous and standing straight up. Nate hit his fists together like a prize fighter about to take the ring. He sent her another wicked wink. “Charly, do you know about safe words?” Heath rubbed her belly softly. “You mean about BDSM?” Charly recalled her time with the younger Strongs. Seth had been a bit on the edgy side, even promising to show her more about such play on the night Drake had shared her with Dax and him. “I’ve heard some things about it.” “Good to know.” Nate chuckled. Tobias added, “We know much more than some.” “So you want to teach me?” she asked. “Get a load of this girl,” Nate stated in what sounded like awe to her. “I’ll take two heaping scoops, please.” Tobias’s lips curled up into a sexy grin. “Yes, we want to teach you.” Heath kissed her again, massaging her breasts. “I’m not really that experienced with sex, guys,” she confessed. “Keep talking, pet.” Nate’s tone rumbled in his chest. “You’re burning me up with every word.” “Cool it, bro.” Heath smiled at her. “You’ll do fine. I promise you’ll love this, sweetheart.” “Why don’t we use colors for tonight with her?” Nate asked his brothers. “Good idea.” Tobias grabbed her hand and squeezed it, sending a spark up her arm. “Charly, tell me what the colors of a traffic light mean.” Her body was already buzzing, wondering what they might have in mind for her. “Okay. Green means go. Red means stop.” The eldest Strong nodded. “And yellow?” “Caution, slow down.” “Exactly. So what do you think they mean for us tonight when

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you say them?” She pondered that for a moment. “The same, I suppose.” “Right again. If you say ‘red,’ we will stop everything. Understand?” Charly nodded. “And ‘yellow’ slows us down. It will be your way of telling us we are pushing you too hard. Right?” “I got it.” Nate pinched her nipple and tears welled up in her eyes. “For the rest of the evening, kitten, you will address us by Master followed by each of our names. Let’s see if she’s trainable. What will you call me, pet?” She gulped. He seemed impatient to get the play underway. “Master Nate, right?” “I like the sound of that on those pretty lips.” Nate’s fingers traced her mouth. “What color are you now, sweetheart?” Heath asked. “I’m green, though I’m a bit nervous about too much kink.” She was also more than a little intrigued, but wasn’t about to share that. Besides, they clearly already knew. He went on with “Not yellow?” “No.” Nate grinned. “You’re going to be a snap to train, I think. Don’t you dare use the word yellow just to get your way, kitten. I’ll know if you do.” She liked that he kept calling her “kitten.” It made her feel small, feminine, and beautiful. “Let’s see your bottom. Roll over,” he ordered. She complied, feeling excitement and nervousness expand inside her. Heath cupped both her ass’s cheeks. “Gorgeous. Time to quiet your head, Charly. What do you say I start with five slaps to your pretty ass for starts?”

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With the promise of relief from her rattled mind, she wanted to try. “Yes, Master Heath.” Nate sighed. “Kitten, you’re a fast learner.” “Ready?” Heath asked. “Uh-huh,” she said, facing her pillow. Slap. Heath struck her on the left cheek, and the sting brought tears to her eyes. Another slap on her right cheek made her fist the sheets to fight back the burn. Slap. Slap. Slap. Each came down harder than the one before. The liquid streamed from her eyes onto the pillowcase. Heath kissed her lower back. “You’re doing great.” Desire rolled through her, but her mind continued to swirl with worry. “But she’s still in her head, bro.” Nate stroked her hair. “Aren’t you, kitten?” She sniffled. “Y–Yes, Master Nate. I am.” “You need more whacks to that gorgeous ass?” he asked. Crazy as it might be, Charly knew she did. Something about this experience with them was opening her up, though the door was only cracked just a bit. She wanted it wide open. “Yes, Sir. Please.” “What color are you, sweetheart?” Heath asked, concern evident in his tone. “Green, Master Heath. I’m green.” “You’re doing so well. I am proud of you.” No man, not even her father, had ever told her that before. Life had been difficult for her for some time. A sick mother, a felon for a father. But she’d risen above all of it. She’d earned her degrees and was on track for a great job. But the race to succeed and prove her worthiness to herself and world had taken its toll on her. Something about these men taking charge reached her, releasing a need to just be. Cravings to please them and to be pleasured by them twisted through her. “Good girl.” Nate’s commanding voice shook her. “Now, about

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those silly thoughts swirling in you. I want you to surrender to me...to us, tonight. Now, bite the pillow for me.” She obeyed, bracing for whatever would come next. Nate rained down some blistering smacks to her ass. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. These were harder and delivered more pain than Heath’s had. The more he tortured her bottom, the more her mind softened and cleared. Smack. Smack. Smack. She was thrashing and sobbing on the bed, but the pain was only a part of the cause. Her pussy was soaked, and her nipples were hard. She was deliriously dizzy and in a kind of warm trance. Finally, all she could do was feel. “That’s it, kitten. You’re there, aren’t you?” Nate asked. She sniffled, releasing the pillowcase from her teeth. “Y–Yes, M– Master Nate.” “Beautiful,” he stated. The cowboys flipped her around, placing her gently with her back to the mattress. She looked at them, staring down at her in what seemed like a state of awe and lust. “Thank you, Masters.” They all three smiled, and that filled her with pride. Heath stepped back. Nate and Tobias crawled in on opposite sides of her, each swallowing one of her breasts. She fisted the sheets and closed her eyes as need grew inside her. Then she felt Heath move between her thighs, positioning his head directly in line with her pussy. When his tongue hit her folds, she moaned. Nate and Tobias sucked on her nipples until they ached and throbbed. Heath licked her clit, making her crazy with want. Nate’s teeth nipped at her breast’s tiny bit of flesh. Then he said, “Yep. You’re going to be trouble, pet. That’s obvious.” She opened her eyes and looked directly at Nate. “I–I…don’t want to be.” “Sure you do. That’s part of it.” He and Heath switched positions.

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Tobias continued to suck on her nipples while Nate bathed her puffy folds with his tongue. She writhed on the bed like a live wire. Heat sprung up out of her, and her juices flowed from her pussy. Heath covered her mouth with his manly lips once again, causing her heart to race. In that single kiss she sensed his absolute possessive nature. Her lips ached and swelled, mirroring what was going on with her nipples and pussy. These three cowboys were making her utterly delirious. She was on fire with want. The desire to be taken by more than one man had been born in her during her stay in Wilde. Now, that desire was full grown and running amuck inside her. Her body quivered, and her toes curled as three mouths covered every inch of her body. “You’re so fucking hot!” Tobias exclaimed. “She’s got the sweetest juices I’ve ever tasted in my life, and her pussy is the prettiest one I’ve ever seen.” Nate’s tone was animal-like and intense. When his tongue circled her clit once again, her ache burned hot like the sun. “God, yes!” she screamed, pounding the mattress. Heath kissed her. “That’s my girl.” She felt Tobias apply lube to her ass. Nate kissed her mound and then rolled onto his side. He donned a condom, as did Tobias. Heath cupped her chin, making her look directly into his eyes. “We’re all going to fuck you at the same time—Nate in your pussy, Tobias in your ass, and me in your sweet mouth.” She bit her lip. With the help of Heath and Tobias, Charly was lifted up and flipped around so she was dangling over the bed. Nate was now below her with his back on the mattress. “Sugar, you’re gorgeous. I can’t wait to get inside your tight, hot cunt.” Nate put his hands on her thighs. “Lower her down, guys.” She felt his dick press on her clit.

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“Hold up.” Nate reached down with one hand and positioned the head of his dick at her pussy’s opening. “Okay, we’re ready.” As his cock split her open, she gasped. “What color are you at, sweetheart?” Heath asked, stopping her descent. “Green, cowboy. Keep going.” “A bit of a sub and a bit of a naughty girl. Nice.” Nate’s lips curled up at the corners. He thrust up into her, causing Charly to have to put her hands on his bulging biceps to steady herself. He filled up her pussy totally, hitting the spot that acted like a switch for her. Tobias slicked up her backside’s entrance and then moved into position to take her from there. “Take in a deep breath, honey,” Heath instructed. “Blow it out slow and easy. Good. Once again. Excellent. Once more.” As the last ounce of air left her lips, she felt Tobias’s cock push past her ass’s tight ring. The piercing pain lasted only a second, replaced by unimaginable wantonness. The feeling of fullness and possession thrilled her, causing her to thrash between the two thrusting cowboys. Heath moved up on the bed, placing his cock next to her lips. “Suck me, honey, just like you did on our trip.” “Yes, Sir.” She extended her tongue and tasted the tip of his dick. “Let me feed your pretty mouth.” Heath slowly slid his cock down her throat. Sensations burned through her body as Heath fucked her mouth, Nate her pussy, and Tobias her ass. The complete domination by them thrilled her and gave her immeasurable pleasure. “I can tell she’s close, guys. Let’s try to come together.” Heath hit the back of her throat with his cock. The thrusting into her body by their three dicks worked like magic. A myriad of vibrations took hold of her as her orgasm exploded throughout her body. “I’m going to c–come.” Tobias shoved his dick to the hilt in her

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ass. Nate’s eyes were wide and unfocused. He thrust into her pussy over and over. Then his body went rigid, and he closed his eyes as he came with only a deep growl. Heath grabbed the back of her head and shot his load into her mouth. She swallowed every drop as her climax continued to deliver pleasurable clenches in her womb, again and again.

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Chapter Eight “You awake?” Heath asked. Charly loved how he shamelessly continued cuddling her as Tobias and Nate left. “I am.” “I love you, Charly.” She wanted to say it back to him, but even though it was likely the truth, it didn’t feel right to. “You’re a wonderful man, Heath. I care deeply for you.” “More than that, I suspect, but it can simmer, for now. We’re giving you a crash course on how we roll, and you only just learned about our ways through your cousin a month or so ago.” “It is a lot to take in, cowboy.” “Know this—I will win your heart, whatever it takes.” “Drake said almost the same thing to me, Heath. Can you understand how hard this is for me?” He touched her cheek. “I can. Everything is going to be okay.” “Will it? You can’t know that.” “Shh. Let me worry about how to make sure things go my way, okay?” “I suppose. It just seems impossible.” “I won’t stop trying until you can look me in the face and tell me you will never love me. That’s a promise, sweetheart.” Charly couldn’t imagine ever telling him that. Though she hadn’t said those three words to either Drake or Heath, she knew she actually did love them. What have I gotten myself into? “Okay, cowboy.” Foolish or not, she prayed for a miracle that would eventually let

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her have her two men. Would they join her in Malibu one day? You’re losing it, Charly Wynn. Heath kissed her on the cheek. “I think we’ve mulled over this long enough tonight, don’t you?” “Definitely.” She snuggled into his embrace, allowing herself to dream the impossible. “Did you like the cheeseburger, sweetheart?” “Loved it.” “Good. Now, go to sleep.” “Yes, Master Heath.” **** A pounding on the door jerked Charly from her slumber. She watched Heath, the only remaining naked cowboy from last night’s lovemaking, leap from the bed. Something at the back of her mind told her that she needed to stop him, but still foggy from sleep, she couldn’t remember why. “Go back to sleep, honey. I’ll take care of this.” Drake! But before she could tell him to stop, Heath opened the door.

End of Book 2: Strong Desire To be continued in Book 3: Feeling Strong WWW.CHLOELANG.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chloe Lang began devouring romance novels during summers between college semesters as a respite to the rigors of her studies. Soon, her lifelong addiction was born, and to this day, she typically reads three or four books every week. For years, the very shy Chloe tried her hand at writing romance stories, but shared them with no one. After many months of prodding by an author friend, Sophie Oak, she finally relented and let Sophie read one. As the prodding turned to gentle shoves, Chloe ultimately did submit something to Siren-BookStrand. The thrill of a life happened for her when she got the word that her book would be published.

Also by Chloe Lang Siren LoveXtreme Forever: The Strong Cowboys of Wilde, Nevada 1: Strong Attraction

For all other titles, please visit www.bookstrand.com/chloe-lang

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com